ABUJA, Nigeria – The Department of State Services, DSS, in Nigeria, has warned about planned attacks on worship and recreational centres before and during the Eid Kabir celebrations.
The warning comes after the recovery of Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, from terrorists in joint operations conducted by the DSS, the Nigerian Army, and Police, which lends credibility to the threat.
In a statement released on Thursday, June 22, 2023, Peter Afunanya, the spokesperson for the DSS, called for increased vigilance ahead of the Eid celebrations.
He specifically urged operators and patrons of public places such as markets and malls to be watchful and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the relevant security agencies.
The statement reads in part: “On its part, the DSS calls for vigilance before 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.”
The statement also highlighted a recent joint security operation conducted in Nasarawa and Kogi States from June 19, 2023, to June 22, 2023, during which a gang leader named Kabir Bala was killed in a gun battle in Kogi State.
Additionally, on June 19, 2023, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway in Keffi LGA of Nasarawa State, the security team apprehended a suspected gunrunner, Abubakar Muhammad (also known as Abu Direba).
The team seized 486 rounds of 7.62x39mm caliber ammunition, 22 primed IEDs, N31,500, and a Volkswagen Golf vehicle with the registration number RBC202XA during the operation.
The DSS has reiterated its commitment to continue partnering with other security agencies in taking proactive measures to thwart criminal activities and ensure the safety of citizens during the festive period.
