The Department of State Services has raised the alarm of planned attacks on worship and recreational centres before and during Eid Kabir celebrations.

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.

It 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,” it added.

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 statement continued, “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.” (The PUNCH)

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