The attempted escape by a detainee at the Aso drive headquarters of the State Security Service (SSS) did not in any way threaten the president's safety, a Nigerian government official has said.

Spokesman for the president, Dr Reuben Abaiti, told Channels Television in a telephone interview that the incident happened within the premises of the SSS headquarters and was quickly contained.

IN MY NEIGHBOURHOOD: Exchange of gunfire still going on with helicopter gunship hovering over the Aso Drive neighbourhood of Maitama adjoining the SSS Headquarters. Whatever this is, it appears more serious than an attempted jailbreak claimed by the SSS. May God Protect the innocent and destroy the murderers, kidnappers and planners of genocide, Amen.