DSS Arrests Terrorists Planning to Attacks on Sallah

The Department of State Security Services (DSS)  says it has uncovered a sinister plot by terrorists to stage series of coordinated attacks using explosives on different cities across the country. 

The aim of such attacks is to hit on soft targets such as markets, public parks, public processions, recreation centres, as well as worship centres especially the Eid Praying Grounds and other densely populated areas during the forthcoming Eid-el-Fitr Sallah celebration, the DSS said.

A statement signed by the spokesman for the security agency, Tony Opuiyo revealed that  the latest plan by the terrorists was to unleash mayhem on Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna and Maiduguri. 

"Consequently, the Service wishes to announce that the planned terrorist attacks in Kano and aforementioned States have been nipped in the bud," Opuiyo said. 

"This followed the arrest of Yusuf Adamu and Abdumuminu Haladu in the early hours of today, 23/06/2017, in Sokoto. 

"Adamu and his accomplice were to command the operation in Kano. However, the Service had earlier arrested the facilitator of the Kano attack, an explosive expert by name Bashir Mohammed at Unguwar Barnawa, Shekar Madaki, Kumbatso LGA, Kano State on 20th June, 2017."

It was revealed that the arrested suspects, together with others now at large, planned to assemble the explosives and use them on select targets during the Eid-el-Fitr Celebrations.

 When Mohammed was arrested in Kumbatso, Kano, a search was conducted at his residence wherein dangerous weapons including   eight AK-47 rifles; 20 fully loaded AK-A7 magazines; 27 hand grenades; 793 rounds of live ammunition; one gas cylinder; three laptops; one GSM phone; one Lifan motorcycle; one Honda Civic Car (Ash); and  one printer. 

The Service said it has also uncovered plans by the terrorists to infiltrate the ranks of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (a.k.a. Shiites). 

"This is in an attempt to assume a formidable cover to unleash violence and evoke a complete state of chaos in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja during the  group’s Qudus Day Procession/Rally scheduled for today (23/06/2017) in Abuja and several States in the Northern parts of the country," Opuiyo said.

"Sequel to this, the Service is warning members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) to desist from staging any form of procession or demonstration as the terrorists will seize the opportunity to unleash mayhem. 

"The public is encouraged to disregard the antics of these terrorist extremists to cause a breakdown of law and order and instill fear in the populace."

DSS further revealed that it is working, in concert with other security agencies, to ensure that no section of the country is attacked during and after the Sallah celebrations.

"Law abiding citizens and residents are not only assured of their safety but enjoined to go about their normal businesses without fear of attack. It pledges to engage all stakeholders to ensure a hitch free Eid-el-fitr festival across the country," he said.

Opuiyo enjoined Nigerians to remain very vigilant before, during and after the Sallah celebrations.

He called on people with useful information regarding suspicious movements and faces as well as unusual activities of criminals and terrorists around their neighbourhoods to immediately contact the nearest security agency