Buhari calls emergency security meeting after armed robbers invade presidential villa

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has called an emergency security meeting to assess the vulnerability of Aso Rock after armed robbers broke into the presidential complex yesterday and raided the residence of his chief of staff.

In a shocking development, yesterday, robbers found a way into the presidential complex and broke into the residence of the chief of staff to the president, Professor Ibrahim Gambari. Of late, insecurity has been on the rise across Nigeria with banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, rape and armed robbery all spiralling out of control.

With the crisis now  reaching the presidential villa, President Buhari called an emergency meeting to discuss the matter. Those who attended the meeting include vice president Professor Yemi Osinbajo, secretary to the government of the federation Boss Mustapha, Professor Gambari and the national security adviser Retired Major General Babagana Monguno.

Also present were the attorney-general and justice minister Abubakar Malami, foreign minister Geoffrey Onyema, defence minister Retired Major General Bashir Magashi and interior minister Rauf Aregbesola. Si far, it is not clear if the service chiefs or inspector-general of police would be invited to join the meeting later.

Presidential spokesman Mallam Garba Shehu, confirmed that there was a foolish attempt to burgle the residence of Professor Gambari, inside the presidential villa in Abuja. He added that the incident that happened around 3 am was not successful.

Mallam Shehu said: “The chief of staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, has confirmed that there was a foolish attempt to burgle his residence at 3am this morning but it turned out to be unsuccessful. Professor Gambari, whose house is on a street next to the villa, has assured that there is nothing to worry about from the incident.”

According to online newspaper Peoples Gazette, the robbers invaded the residences of two senior aides to the president, forcing Professor Gambari and administrative officer, Abubakar Maikano, to abandon their residences. It added: “Their houses were robbed and the robbers packed money and other valuable assets from both houses.”