This is the full text of a press release sent to me from a journalist in Nigeria today. It raises more questions than it answers.
PRESS RELEASE
In the early hours of today 20th September, 2013, about 0030 hours a combined security team went for an operation behind the Apo legislative quarters. The operation was sequel to information obtained from two (2) Boko Haram elements Kamal ABDULLAHI and Mohammed ADAMU, who had earlier been arrested for terrorist activities. They led the security team to uncompleted buildings where arms were purported to have been buried underground.
2. No sooner had the team commenced digging for the arms, than they came under heavy gunfire attack by other Boko Haram elements within the area, which prompted immediate response from the security team. As a result, some persons were injured and twelve (12) others have been arrested in connection with the incident, and are making useful statements.
3. Normalcy has returned to the area. Members of the public are advised to go about their normal businesses, as appropriate security measures have been emplaced to ensure the safety of citizens in the FCT. We want to reiterate the need for all Nigerians to be vigilant of their immediate environment and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies. Our National security must remain the collective responsibility of all Nigerians.
Marilyn OGAR, msi Deputy Director, Public Relations Department of State Services 20th September, 2013
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According to various news reports, including this article in Premium Times, the Abuja raid on the Boko Haram arms cache killed several squatters — who where living in a building apparently owned by former President Obasanjo’s sister. Human rights groups are up in arms since this highlights the need for stricter rules of engagement by security services.
I have been doing field research on and off for several years in the slums near Apo, where squatting is rampant due to insecure property rights and inconsistent application of the law. Just a few months ago, the National Human Rights Commission announced a campaign making the forced evictions of squatters a top priority.