The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a warning about an imminent threat posed by suspected terrorists who are planning to carry out attacks on places of worship and recreational centers ahead of and during the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
In a statement released on Thursday evening, Peter Afunanya, the spokesperson for the DSS, emphasized the need for heightened awareness leading up to the Islamic festival.
He revealed that intelligence reports had indicated the existence of plans to target worship and recreational centers, thereby necessitating immediate preventive action.
The DSS spokesperson cited recent successful raids conducted by a joint security team comprising the DSS, Nigerian Army, and Police in Kogi and Nasarawa states, during which crucial evidence of the planned attacks was uncovered.
“A joint security team comprising the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, and Police carried out operations in Nasarawa and Kogi states,” the statement reads.
“On 19th June 2023 along the Abuja- Keffi expressway in Keffi LGA of Nasarawa state, the team apprehended Abubakar Muhammad (aka Abu Direba), a suspected gunrunner. During the operation, the team seized the following insidious items: 486 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, 22 prepped IEDs, N31,500, and one Volkswagen Golf with the license plate RBC202XA.
“In another joint operation in the early hours of today, 22nd June 2023, a team raided the hideout of Kabir Bala (aka Okwo), one-time jailbreaker and notorious gang leader in Ejule, Ofu LGA of Kogi state.
“Okwo and his gang members engaged the troops in a gun duel during which he was neutralized. Others, however, fled the area. Items recovered at the scene were one AK47 rifle with three fully loaded magazines, six locally fabricated weapons, and two phones, and charms.
“On its part, the DSS appeals for caution before the Eid celebrations, more so because reports had indicated plots to attack religious and recreational venues before and during the festivities. This is evident in the recovery of primed IEDs among the suspected terrorists.
“Operators and customers of public venues, including markets, malls, etc., are urged to exercise caution and alert the appropriate security services to any suspicious persons or movements to the relevant agencies.
“Accordingly, the service will continue to partner with sister agencies for necessary proactive drills to frustrate criminals and their activities.”
As Nigeria prepares to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, citizens are reminded to prioritize their personal safety and report any suspicious behavior to the security forces.
The DSS continues to remain vigilant in its efforts to safeguard the nation and maintain peace and security throughout the country.
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