Eid Festival: Be watchful — DSS raises alarm over plots of terrorist attack
…Alerts markets, religious, recreational centres
…Cautions operators, patrons of other public places
…As joint security team make massive seizure of ammunitions, arrests of terrorists in Nasarawa, Kogi
The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised strong alarm over planned terror attacks, particularly, on worship and recreational centres before and during Eid Kabir festival.
According to the service, the recovery of Improvised Explosive Devices from terrorists in joint operations by the Service, personnel of the Nigerian Army and Police laid credence to the planned attack.
A statement on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Service, Peter Afunanya, urged operators of malls among others to be vigilant.
The statement partly 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.”
According to the DSS, in the joint operations carried out in Nasarawa, and Kogi States between June 19 and 22, a gang leader identified as Kabir Bala was killed during a gun duel in Kogi, the DSS disclosed.
“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 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; N31,500 and One Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number- RBC202XA.
“Also, in another joint operation in the early hours of today (Thursday), 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 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,” the secret police disclosed.
Recall, that in his inaugural address on Monday May 29, President Bola Tinubu had promised Nigerians that security would be of top priority for his administration.
The President had on Monday announced the replacement of the service chiefs, which include the Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Irabor; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao and the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, who have now been shown the exit door.
“President Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the immediate retirement of all Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, Advisers, Comptroller-General of Customs from Service as well as their replacements with immediate effect,” a statement from the Information Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, signed by the Director of Information, Willie Bassey had read partly.
Disclosing the development, the press statement titled, PRESIDENT TINUBU RETIRES ALL SERVICE CHIEFS, ADVISERS, COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF CUSTOMS, APPOINTS NEW ONES, revealed that the replacement for the sacked security chiefs include: Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser; Maj. Gen. C.G Musa, Chief of Defence Staff; Maj. T. A Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admirral E. A Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff; AVM H.B Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff.
Others are DIG Kayode Egbetokun, Acting Inspector-General of Police and Maj. Gen. EPA Undiandeye, Chief of Defense Intelligence.
Also shown the exit door is the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) replaced by Adeniyi Bashir Adewale as the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs.
