The Department of State Services (DSS) has urged caution leading up to and during the Eid el-Kabir celebrations next week.
The service claimed that this was essential since rumours had it that criminals planned to target places of worship and recreational areas both before and during the celebrations.
This was revealed in a statement released yesterday in Abuja by Dr. Peter Afunanya, the DSS’s public relations officer.
The recovery of primed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from suspected terrorists, according to him, was proof of the diabolical plan.
Afunanya added that a prominent gang boss and former jailbreaker was shot and killed yesterday at Ejule in Kogi State’s Ofu Local Government Area during a shootout with a joint security squad.
The Nigerian Army, the DSS, and the police made up the joint security force that also captured Abubakar Muhammad (also known as Abu Direba), a suspected gunrunner, on June 19 in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
The joint security team conducted a search on Bala’s hideout early yesterday morning, according to a DSS spokesman.
He claimed that Bala and the other members of his gang engaged the soldiers in a gunfight during which Bala was defeated.
“Others, however, fled the area. Items recovered on the scene were one AK-47 rifle with three fully loaded magazines, six locally fabricated weapons, two phones and charms,” Afunanya said.
He also said in the operation, in which Muhammad was apprehended, some “insidious items” were seized.
They include 486 rounds of 7.62 x39mm calibre ammunition; 22 primed IEDs; the sum N31,500; and one Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number RBC202XA.
“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 sister agencies for necessary proactive drills to frustrate criminals and their activities,” Afunanya added.
