Yuletide: DSS Issues Security Alert On Plots To ‘Bomb’ Public Places

The Department of State Services (DSS), on Tuesday, disclosed that there were plots by some “criminal elements” to attack public places using explosives and dangerous weapons during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

“The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to inform the public about plans by some criminal elements to carry out violent attacks on public places including key and vulnerable points during the yuletide seasons.

“The planned dastardly acts are to be executed through the use of explosives, suicide bombing and other dangerous weapons,” the statement read.

Afunanya said the aim of the suspects was to infuse fear in the minds of the citizenry and “subsequently undermine the government” of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said the DSS was collaborating with some sister agencies to ensure that adequate measures were put in place to prevent the planned attacks.

“Against this backdrop, citizens are called upon to be extra vigilant and report strange movements and indeed, all suspicions around them to security and law enforcement agencies,” he said.

He issued emergency numbers through which Nigerians could report suspicious movements and events around them that are inconsistent with the law.

“To further achieve this purpose, the Service has provided these emergency response numbers 08132222105 and 09030002189 for urgent contacts.

“It is also using this opportunity to unveil its interactive website www.dss.gov.ng for public communication support.

“Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of these platforms and similar ones provided by related agencies to timely reach and avail them (security agencies) of the required information,” he said.

The country has recounted several cases insecurities since the disbandment of defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Cases ranging from kidnapping, robbery and terrorism have been prevalent especially in northern Nigeria.

The Nigeria Police have, however, urged the citizenry to become responsible for themselves first by observing basic security measures during this Yuletide season.