Operators and Patrons of Public Places Should Be More Careful – DSS

The Department of State Service (DSS) has uncovered alleged plot to attack worship and recreational centres before and during the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

This is as the Service has called for vigilance on the part of operators and patrons of public places, including markets and malls, urging them to report any suspicious movements and persons to the relevant security agencies.

DSS in a press statement by it’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr. Peter Afunanya, said: “The DSS calls for vigilance prior to the Eid celebrations more so that reports had indicated plans to attack worship and recreational centres before and during the festivities. This is evident in the recovery of primed IEDs among the suspected terrorists.

Operators and patrons of public places including markets, malls etc are advised to be watchful and report any suspicious movements and persons to the relevant security agencies.

“Accordingly, the Service will continue to partner with sister agencies for necessary proactive drills to frustrate criminals and their activities.”

Meanwhile, the spokesperson disclosed that a joint security team comprising the DSS, Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Force (NPF) carried out operations in Nasarawa and Kogi states.

“On June 19, 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 x39mm calibre ammunition; 22 primed IEDs; N31,500; One Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number- RBC202XA”, Afunanya stated.

According to the PRO, “In another joint operation in the early hours of today, June 22, 2023, a team raided the hideout of Kabir Bala (aka Okwo), one time jail breaker 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 neutralised. Others, however, fled the area. Items recovered at the scene were one AK47 rifle with three fully loaded magazines, six locally fabricated weapons, two phones and charms.”