The State security service (SSS) confirmed the operation in Trademore Estate Abuja, but denied the statement linking them with US forces on the mission. This was confirmed in a statement by the Spokesperson of the secret police, Peter Afunanya.
According to the statement “I can categorically tell you that we did not carry out any joint operation with American Soldiers as being widely reported in the media.”
“Though we carried out an operation in an Abuja Estate with sister agencies, but no foreign troops were involved.”
Explaining further, the spokesperson says, SSS and other sister agency operatives carried out random checks of homes and cars in some parts of the city including the popular TradeMoore estate in Lugbe, which led to the arrest of two terrorist in the estate.
The Nigerian government on Wednesday insisted that the country including the Federal capital Abuja is safe for citizens and foreigners, contrary to an advisory by the US and UK governments as widely being circulated.
The minister of Information and culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed said, “I want to reassure both citizens, non-Nigerians, Nigerians living in this country, that security agencies are on top of this matter.”
Mohammed then said. “Of course, the terrorists would not stop to try to embarrass or intimidate government but what I’m saying is that this country is safe. And there’s no cause for alarm. No cause to panic” The statement added.