The Department of State Services, DSS, has alerted members of the public about plans by terrorists to attack worship and recreation centres before and during Eid-el-Kabir, the muslim festival, holding next week.
The security alerted the public in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, PRO, Dr. Peter Afunanya.
It called on all to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements and persons to relevant security personnel.
The statement reads in part: “On its part, 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.”
The DSS said it would continue to partner with sister agencies for necessary proactive actions to frustrate criminals and their activities.
Giving update on its latest efforts at ensuring security, the DSS said a joint security team comprising the DSS, Nigerian Army and Police carried out operations in Nasarawa and Kogi States.
According to the PRO, on June 19, 2023, along Abuja- Keffi Expressway in Keffi local government area of Nasarawa State, the team apprehended Abubakar Muhammad (a.k.a. Abu Direba), a suspected gunrunner.
He said during the operation, the team seized 486 rounds of 7.62 x39mm calibre ammunition; 22 primed IEDs; the sum of N31,500, and one Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number- RBC202XA.
Afunanya added that in another joint operation in the early hours of June 22, 2023, a team raided the hideout of Kabir Bala (a.k.a. Okwo), one time jail breaker and notorious gang leader in Ejule, Ofu local government of Kogi State.
He said Okwo and his gang members engaged the troops in a gun duel during which he was neutralised.
The DSS spokesperson said others, however, fled the area.
He said items recovered at the scene were one AK47 rifle with three fully loaded magazines, six locally fabricated weapons, two phones and charms.
