By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja –
The Department of State Services (DSS) has alerted Nigerians to be vigilant prior to the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations as some terrorists group are planning to attack worship and recreational centres before and during the festivity.
The DSS spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, said the advisory became imperative following the recovery of primed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) among the suspected terrorists.
Dr. Afunanya said the IEDs were recovered from suspected terrorists during a joint operation by the DSS and its sister security agencies.
He said a joint security team comprising the DSS, Nigerian Army and Police carried out a raid on criminal hideouts in Nasarawa and Kogi States.
He said: “On19th 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: Four Hundred and Eighty-Six (486) rounds of 7.62 x39mm calibre ammunition; Twenty-Two (22) primed IEDs, The sum of Thirty-One Thousand, Five Hundred naira (N31,500), One (1) Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number- 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 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 (3) fully loaded magazines, six (6) locally fabricated weapons, two (2) phones and charms, he said.
The DSS spokesman, however, urged 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.
He said the Service will continue to partner with sister agencies for necessary proactive drills to frustrate criminals and their activities.
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