The Department of State Service (DSS) has issued warnings over alleged plots by some suspected criminal gangs to launch bomb attacks on strategic infrastructure and public places, during and after the coming Sallah celebrations.
DSS Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, in a statement issued on Tuesday, in Abuja, said the criminal elements are planning to return the country to the pre-2015 era reminiscent of IED attacks on soft and hard targets, including places of worship and relaxation hubs.
According to Afunanya, their aim is to achieve some self-serving interests as there are already reported cases of such incidents in some areas.
He called on patrons, owners and managers of public places in the country and all Nigerians to be wary of this development and implement basic security measures to deter the threats.
The red alert by Nigeria’s secret police comes as Nigeria continues to face a plethora of security issues amid an uptick in the number of attacks by bandits-cum-terrorists.
Read full statement below;
PRESS RELEASE….
PUBLIC ALERT ON RENEWED BOMB EXPLOSIONS
The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby draws public attention to plans by criminal elements to return the country to the pre-2015 era reminiscent of IED attacks on soft and hard targets in parts of the country.
Though there are already reported cases of such incidents in some areas, the Service has uncovered a ploy by suspected criminal gangs to forge an alliance among themselves with a view to launching further attacks on critical infrastructure and other frequented public places like worship and relaxation centres, especially during and after the holidays and festive celebrations. The objective is to achieve some self- serving interests as well as cause fear among the citizenry. The Service, however, recalls its earlier warning that some groups and individuals were plotting to stoke violence in the country.
Following these, patrons, owners and managers of aforementioned public places are advised to be wary of this development and implement basic security measures to deter the threats. While the Service is committed to the disruption of this trend and pattern of violent attacks, it will continue to partner with other security agencies to ensure that necessary drills are emplaced in order that public peace and order are not jeopardized.
To this end, residents are enjoined to go about their lawful businesses and share, with security and law enforcement agencies, useful information on the activities of criminals.
Meanwhile, the DGSS, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, fwc wishes all and sundry a hitch free Workers’ Day and Sallah celebrations.
Peter Afunanya, Ph.D, fsi
Public Relations Officer
Department of State Services
