The heavy gunfire which triggered extra security measures at the Aso Rock presidential Villain Abuja about three hours ago has been linked to a threat connected with the Boko Haram terrorist sect. The vicinity of the Villa had been barricaded as guns boomed, with soldiers heading for the nearby headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) with Armoured Personnel Carriers.

However, contrary to fears contained in some reports, the Presidential Villa is not in any way under threat as the shooting has been confirmed to be restricted to the DSS (also known as SSS) headquarters.

Reports quoted DSS spokesperson Marilyn Ogar as linking the incident to an attempt by some detained Boko Haram suspects to break jail.

He words: “What happened was that the suspects’ handlers went to feed the detainees here but suddenly they attacked him with their handcuffs, disarmed him and started shooting.

“The military was quickly called in before they could do any harm and that is responsible for the shootings you heard.

“It was an attempted jailbreak but it has been brought under control.”

•Photo shows Boko Haram fighters.