Terrorists are planning to attack worship and recreational centres before and during Eid Kabir celebrations, according to the Department of State Services (DSS).
The DSS said it was able to know about the planned attacks when a joint operations of its men with the operatives of the Nigerian Army and the Police recovered some Improvised Explosive Devices from arrested terrorists.
The spokesperson of the DSS, Peter Afunanya, in a statement on Thursday, advised Nigerians to be vigilant.
The statement in part read: “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.
“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.
“A joint security team comprising the DSS, Nigerian Army, and Police carried out operations in Nasarawa and Kogi States. On June 19, 2023, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway in Keffi Council Area 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 and One Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number- RBC202XA.
“Also, 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 jailbreaker 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 Bala was neutralized and killed. Others, however, fled the area. Items recovered at the scene were one AK-47 rifle with three fully loaded magazines, six locally fabricated weapons, two phones, and charms.”
