Burundian police have dismantled an armed group that planned to ambush government officials and diplomats, the police said Thursday.

"The armed criminals were led by a deserter from the Burundian army -- Elie Habonimana nicknamed Hassan, a non-commissioned officer who deserted from the Logistics barrack at Musaga in the capital Bujumbura in June last year," said Moise Nkurunziza, Burundian Police deputy spokesman.

The group was based at Mageyo in Mubimbi commune in Bujumbura Rural province, some 20 km east of the Burundian capital Bujumbura, he said.

Nkurunziza indicated that those gunmen admitted that their mission was to ambush senior administration and security officials as well as diplomats.

"They also admitted that their mission would be to steal money and objects and to urge ransom from abducted people," said Nkurunziza.

He added that security forces seized arms and military equipment, including six guns of the Kalashnikov type and nine chargers full of ammunitions, 149 ammunitions of the Kalashnikov type, two grenades, six military uniforms and two pairs of military boots.

Burundi is facing a political turmoil that broke out since April 2015 following Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza's announcement that he would be seeking a third term.

His candidature, which was opposed by the opposition and civil society groups, resulted in a wave of protests, violence and even a failed coup in May.

Over 400 people have reportedly been killed since then while some 240,000 citizens sought exile in neighboring countries.