DSS Raises Alarm over Renewed Bomb Attacks in Public Places

The State Security Services (SSS) on Tuesday alerted members of the public to what it described as plans to return Nigeria to the pre-2015 kind of Improvise Electronic Device (IED) attacks on soft and hard targets in parts of the country.

A statement by the SSS signed by its Public Relations Officer, Dr. Peter Afunanya, said 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 SSS explained that the objective is to achieve some self-serving interests as well as cause fear among the citizenry.

The Service noted earlier warning that some groups and individuals were plotting to stoke violence in the country and therefore drew the attention of members of the public 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.

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Afunanya said; “Though there are already reported cases of such incidents in some areas. Following these, patrons, owners and managers of 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 jeopardized.

“Residents are enjoined to go about their lawful businesses and share, with security and law enforcement agencies, useful information on the activities of criminals,” he said.

In another development, the Spokesman of the Service said that the Director General of the SSS, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, wishes all and sundry a hitch free Workers’ Day and Sallah celebrations.