Nigeria’s top security agency, the Department of State Services (DSS) has said that some criminal elements are planning to return the country to the pre-2015 era reminiscent of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks on soft and hard targets in parts of the country,
The statement by the Public Relations Officer of the DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya, on Tuesday in Abuja stated that while the DSS has received reports on cases of such incidents in some areas, it has uncovered a plot by suspected criminal gangs to forge an alliance.
Their objective, according to Dr. Afunanya, is to launch further attacks on critical infrastructure and other public places frequently visited, such as worship and relaxation centres, especially during and after the holidays and festive celebrations.
He warned that the groups plan to achieve some self-serving interests and cause fear among the people, and urged managers and owners of such centres to be cautious and implement basic security measures to deter the threats.
“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,” the statement added.
GIK/APA