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The Department of State Services has alerted the public to planned attacks on places of worship and entertainment before and during the celebration of Eid Kabir.

During combined operations, the service, members of the Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Police recovered improvised explosive devices from terrorists, which, according to the service, gave legitimacy to the planned attack.

The Service’s spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, encouraged mall operators among others to exercise caution in a statement on Thursday.

“On its part, the DSS appeals for caution before the Eid celebrations more so because reports had indicated plots to attack religious and recreational venues before and during the festivities,” it said in part. The discovery of prepared IEDs among the alleged terrorists is proof of this.

“Operators and customers of public venues, including markets, malls, etc., are urged to exercise caution and alert the appropriate security services to any suspicious persons or movements. In order to thwart criminals and their actions, the Service will continue to work with sister authorities in proactive drills that are required.

Kabir Bala, a gang leader, was murdered in a gunfight in Kogi as a result of coordinated operations between June 19 and June 22 that were conducted in Nasarawa and Kogi states.

“A joint security force made up of the DSS, Nigerian Army, and Police carried out operations in Nasarawa and Kogi States,” the statement stated. On June 19, 2023, the team captured Abubakar Muhammad (also known as Abu Direba), a suspected gunrunner, near the Abuja-Keffi Motorway in the Keffi LGA of Nasarawa State. 486 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, 22 prepped IEDs, N31,500, and one Volkswagen Golf with the licence plate RBC202XA were among the nefarious goods the squad seized during the raid.

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“A team invaded Kabir Bala’s (aka Okwo) hideaway in Ejule, Ofu LGA of Kogi State early on June 22, 2023, as part of another joint operation. Okwo was a known gang boss who had previously broken the law. Okwo and the members of his gang engaged the soldiers in a gunfight, which is how the army neutralised him. However, some people left the region. One AK-47 rifle with three fully loaded magazines, six locally made weapons, two phones, and charms were among the items found at the scene.