The Department of State Services (DSS) 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. ”
