Presidential guards fend off ambush on Buhari’s advance convoy

An advanced convoy of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari came under attack from gunmen on Tuesday, July 5, the Presidency confirmed in a statement.

The incident took place in Buhari’s home state, Katsina State – specifically in the town of Dutsinma, but did not involve the President who is still in Abuja.

According to Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu, who signed the statement, the convoy largely comprised security operatives and an advance team heading for Daura, Buhari’s hometown.

They were going ahead of Buhari’s arrival later this week to celebrate the Eid-ul-Adha (Sallah).

He said the attack was repelled by “gallant presidential guards”.

“The Presidency has described as sad and unwelcome, the shooting incident near Dutsinma, Katsina State, at the convoy of cars carrying the Advance Team of security guards, protocol and media officers ahead of President, Muhammadu Buhari’s trip to Daura for Sallah.

“The attackers opened fire on the convoy from ambush positions but were repelled by the military, police and DSS personnel accompanying the convoy.

“Two persons in the convoy are receiving treatment for the minor injuries they suffered. All the other personnel, staff and vehicles made it safely to Daura,” Shehu said in a statement.

Meanwhile local media portals have reported the death in Katsina on an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

Meanwhile, some media outlets also reported an attack around the main prison facility in the capital, the Kuje Prisons. Information remained sketchy at the time of filing this report.