Department of State Services has alerted Nigerians to plans by “enemies of state” to bomb vulnerable places, including critical infrastructure, places of worship and recreational centres during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
DSS said the terrorists planned to detonate explosives, carry out suicide bombings and deploy other dangerous weapons in carrying out their evil plans.
But in a statement, on Tuesday, spokesperson for the secret service, Dr Peter Afunanya, assured that the security forces had taken pre-emptive measures to thwart the plot.
Afunanya said that the terrorists plan was aimed at undermining constituted authorities.
He, therefore, advised all patriotic Nigerians to be vigilant during and after the Christmas and New Year.
According to him, “The Department of State Services 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 objective is to create a general sense of fear among the people and subsequently undermine the government.
“Against this backdrop, the service called on Nigerians to be extra vigilant and report strange movements to security and law enforcement agencies.
“On its part, the Service is collaborating with other sister agencies to ensure that adequate measures are put in place for protection of lives and property.
“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.”
The secret police enjoined Nigerians to take advantage of the portal and similar ones provided by sister agencies to volunteer information to the security agencies.
DSS also advised those planning to cause chaos and breach of public peace to desist, saying it would ensure their arrest and prosecution.
“While assuring citizens and residents of their safety during and after the festive periods, the DGSS, Alhaji YM. Bichi, with his management and staff, wishes all, happy celebrations and a prosperous 2021,” it added.
