Department of State Services, DSS, said that twelve suspected members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect have been arrested following a shootout between the insurgents and security operatives behind Apo Legislative Quarters in Abuja early on Friday.

A statement by the Deputy Director, Public Relations of the State Services, Marilyn Ogar, disclosed that the operation was carried out on a tipoff obtained from two Boko Haram elements, Kamal Abdullahi and Mohammed Adamu, who had earlier been arrested for terrorist activities.

Ogar said that the two led the security team to uncompleted buildings where arms were purported to have been buried underground. She stated that the team came under heavy gunfire from Boko Haram elements within the area as they began digging for arms. This prompted immediate response from the security team.

The clash, according to her, left some persons injured while twelve others were arrested in connection with the incident, and are said to be making useful statements.

Ogar, however, said that calm has returned to the area as appropriate security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of citizens in the FCT. She advised members of the public to go about their normal businesses.

The DSS spokesperson urged Nigerians to be vigilant of  and promptly report suspicious activities in their immediate environment to security agencies, saying our National security must remain the collective responsibility of all Nigerians.