The Department of State Services (DSS) has on Tuesday raised alarm over the alleged plans by suspected criminal gangs to carry out Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) attacks on worship and recreational centres across the country. This was announced in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the security agency, Mr Peter Afunanya in Abuja, saying the security organisation has received reports of suspected criminal gangs forging alliances to attack public installations nationwide.
According to Afunanya, the criminals aim to launch further attacks on critical infrastructure and other public places frequently visited such as worship and recreational centres, especially during and after the public holiday and festive celebrations.
He urged owners and patrons of targeted public places to be wary of the development and implement basic security measures in order to prevent such threats.
The statement reads: "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 the 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 jeopardised.
"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."