Eid Celebrations: DSS raises alarm over plans to attack worship centres
…As joint security in Nasarawa, Kogi arrest gunrunner with explosive devices
By Faith Awa Maji
The Department of State Services (DSS), National Headquarters, Abuja, has raised the alarm over alleged plans by terrorists to attack worship and recreational centres before and during the Eid celebrations across the country.
It has, therefore, called on Nigerians, especially operators and patrons of public places, including markets and malls, to be watchful and report any suspicious movements and persons to the relevant security agencies.
Meanwhile, the DSS said it has arrested a suspected gunrunner with 22 Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), arms, ammunition and other dangerous weapons in a joint security operations carried out alongside men of the Nigerian Army and police in Nasarawa and Kogi states.
The DSS Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, who made the disclosure in a statement issued in Abuja, said: “A joint security team, comprising the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army and Police, 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 the sum of N31,500, One Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number- RBC202XA.
“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 a 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.
“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. Accordingly, the service will continue to partner with sister agencies for necessary proactive drills to frustrate criminals and their activities”, the statement added.