The Department of State Services has issued a warning about planned attacks on worship and recreational spaces ahead of and during the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations.

The seizure of Improvised Explosive Devices from terrorists in combined operations by the service, the Nigerian Army, and the police, according to the agency, lends possibility to the intended attack.

The DSS asked mall operators, among others, to remain vigilant in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya.

“The DSS calls for vigilance before the Eid celebrations more so that reports had indicated plans to attack worship and recreational centres before and during the festivities.

“This is evident in the recovery of primed IEDs among the suspected terrorists.

“Operators and patrons of public places, including markets, malls, etc are advised to be watchful and report any suspicious movements and persons to the relevant security agencies.

“Accordingly, the service will continue to partner with sister agencies for necessary proactive drills to frustrate criminals and their activities.”

In another development, the DSS has announced that between June 19 and 22, a gang leader known as Kabir Bala was killed during a gun battle in Kogi state during a joint operation with the Army and the police.

The Service noted that 486 rounds of 7.62 x39mm calibre ammunition;22 primed IEDs; N31,500 and One Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number- RBC202XA were recovered after the operation.

“Also, in another joint operation in the early hours of today, June 22, 2023, a team raided the hideout of Kabir Bala (aka Okwo), one-time jailbreaker and notorious gang leader in Ejule, Ofu LGA of Kogi State. Okwo and his gang members engaged the troops in a gun duel during which he was neutralised. Others, however, fled the area. Items recovered at the scene were one AK47 rifle with three fully-loaded magazines, six-locally fabricated weapons, two phones, and charms.”

“During the operation, the team seized the following insidious items: 486 rounds of 7.62 x39mm calibre ammunition;22 primed IEDs; N31,500 and One Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number- RBC202XA.”