The Department of State Security Service(DSS) has uncovered a major threat to security in the country.
The secret service said yesterday that criminal elements are planning to bomb targets and some parts of the country.
Their latest plot, according to its dispatch, is targeted at worship and relaxation centres as well as critical infrastructures.
Similarly, yesterday, a security threat forced police to shut down the popular ‘mammy market’, a relaxation arena in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.
Consequent to the recent attack by Boko-Haram, operators of other relaxation spots, including bars, in the Jerusalem area of the city, are on self–imposed breaks.
President Buhari urged the political leaders to support efforts to end insecurity.
Buhari spoke at the ifar with political leaders.
The Spokesman for the Service, Dr. Peter Afunanya, in a statement, said:’’ The DSS hereby draws public attention to plans by criminal elements to return the country to the pre-2015 era characteristic of IED(Improvised Explosive Devices) attacks on soft and hard targets in parts of the country.
‘’Though there are already reported cases of such incidents in some areas, the Service has uncovered a plot by suspected criminal gangs to forge an alliance among themselves with a view to launching further attacks on critical infrastructures and other frequented public places, such as worship and relaxation centres , especially during and after the holidays and festive celebrations.
‘’The aim is t achieve some self-serving interest as well as cause fear among the citizenry.
The Service , however, recalls its earlier warning that some groups and individuals wwere plotting to stoke violence in the country.
‘’Because of these, patrons owners and managers of the aforementioned public places are advised to be wwary of this development and implement basic security measures to deter the threat.
‘’While the Service is committed to the disruption of this trend and pattern of violent attacks, it will continue to partner other security agencies to ensure that necessary drills are emplaced in order that public peace and order are not jeopardized.
‘’To this end, residents are enjoined to go about their lawful businesses and share , with security and and law enforcement agencies, useful information on activities of criminals’’.
The Nation Correspondent, who visited Police ‘mammy market’ noticed that all the shops were locked.
The State Police Spokesman , Dungus Abdulkareem said that ‘’the Police do not want to be embarrassed or caught unaware by terrorists.
‘’With what happened at Giedam and Gashua , it is expedient on us to act proactively by closing down the Area Command ‘’mammy market until further notice.
‘’The police and security agencies are also collaborating with other places to ensure adequate protection of people and property.’’
A security source who spoke in confidence said the market will remain shut throughout Sallah period and and after until adequate security measures were put in place.
Boko Haram a week ago, killed 12 people at a drinking spot in Giadam town .
A few days after, the group launched attack at another drinking spot in Gashua ,home of the Senate President, Dr.Ahmed Lawan .
One person lost his life seven while seven were injured.