Eid-el-Kabir: DSS recovers explosives from terrorists meant to attack worship centres

The Department of State Security said, IEDs were recovered from suspected terrorists planning to bomb worship centres before and during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The secret police warned the general public to be vigilant ahead of the celebration, noting that there are evidences that terrorists have primed IEDs to detonate them during the festivities.

In a statement by the Spokesman of the Service, Peter Afunanya which was made available to journalists on Friday, he said the terrorists also planned to bomb recreational centres too, hence, the general public should be at alert.

Afunanya advised operators of hotels, recreational centres and patrons of shopping malls to be on the look out and report any suspicious movements and persons to the relevant security agencies.

The statement said: “Accordingly, the Service will continue to partner with sister agencies for necessary proactive drills to frustrate criminals and their activities.”

According to him: “A joint security team comprising the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army and Police carried out operations in Nasarawa and Kogi states. On 19th June, 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: a. 486 rounds of 7.62 x39mm calibre ammunition; b. 22 primed IEDs,c. The sum of N31,500; d. One (1) Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number- RBC202XA.”

The DSS further disclosed that in another joint operation in the early hours of today, 22nd June, 2023, a team raided the hideout of Kabir Bala (aka Okwo), one time jail breaker 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 charm.