Be vigilant towards explosives, DSS cautions Nigerians

The Department of State Services on Friday urged citizens to be vigilant against public dangers, especially Improvised Explosive Devices.

IEDs are like locally made bombs used by bandits and terrorists to terrorise security agents or civilians alike in North East and North West regions of the country.

According to data presented at the North East Security Meeting in 2023 by a security consultant, Group Captain S.G Shehu revealed that in 2023, Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe recorded 376 ordinance explosion incidents, resulting in 151 civilian casualties.

Shehu also noted that in 2022, not less than 639 explosions occurred with 223 civilian casualties in the three states.

However, the DSS on Friday called on Nigerians to steer clear of crowded or suspicious areas.

The Director, PR & Strategic Communications Department of State Services National Headquarters, Peter Afunanya, disclosed this in a statement to felicitate the Muslim faithful on the commencement of Ramadan and the Christians for the Lent period.

Afunanya urged citizens to report any strange activities or movements to the security agencies.

The statement partly read, “Residents are advised to remain vigilant against public dangers especially Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)

“Also, the general public is urged to stay informed about potential threats; avoid crowded or suspicious areas, and report to relevant security agencies any strange objects, activities, and movements of hostile elements. In the same vein, the Service calls for tolerance, bonds of brotherhood, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence among the populace.”

Afunanya assured Nigerians that the DSS would provide intelligence to other security agencies to ensure the country is safe and secure.

He said, “Overall, the Service recommits to the provision of strategic intelligence to other sister agencies in order to achieve a safe and secure country. As we undertake these spiritual journeys in the Lenten and Ramadan periods, let us remember to love and share the values that unite us. Let us reaffirm our commitment to the values of mercy, tolerance, forgiveness, and being our brother’s keepers among others and by these, advance a more inclusive and equitable society for us all. ”

Afunanya also urged the citizens from engaging in indiscriminate inflating prices of goods and commodities, adding that it could undermine the security of the country.

He said, ” It appeals to stakeholders to refrain from economic exploitation, sabotage, or profiteering during these important obligations. This is more so that illegal practices such as price gouging or unethical marketing tactics are ungodly; violate fairness and can undermine the true essence of the holy events. As believers, it is incumbent upon us to uphold good standards and ensure that everyone can observe the religious duties with ease and dignity. ”

Afunanya also appeals to the two religious leaders to ensure conflicts are prevented during Lent and Ramadan.

He said, “Furthermore, the Service encourages clerics and religious leaders to uphold empathy as well as prioritise cooperation and conflict prevention beyond the periods under reference. Similarly, the media is encouraged to utilise their platforms to foster informed and accurate engagements that (can) enhance the achievement of national security objectives and interests. ”

Afunanya, however, called for peace and unity among Christians and Muslims in the country.

He said, “DSS wishes to identify with the Christian and Muslim faithful at their Lent and coming Ramadan seasons respectively. Accordingly, the Management extends its heartfelt felicitations for peace, unity and harmony to adherents of these faiths.

“The DSS recognises the significance of these sacred rites and enjoins worshippers to promote understanding, compassion and respect for one another during and after the exercises.”