The Department of State Services (DSS) and allies carried out a successful operation as they neutralized gunmen in a hot shootout exchange in Nasarawa and Kogi State.
Peter Afunanya, DSS PRO, made this known in a statement on Thursday.
A joint security team comprising the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and the Police carried out operations in Nasarawa and Kogi States.
On June 19, 2023, along the Abuja-Keffi Motorway in Keffi LGA of Nasarawa State, the team apprehended Abubakar Muhammad (aka Abu Direba), a suspected gunrunner. During the operation, the team seized the following insidious items:
a. Four Hundred and Eighty-Six (486) rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm calibre ammunition;
b. Twenty-Two (22) primed IEDs
c. The sum of Thirty-One Thousand, Five Hundred naira (N31,500)
d. One (1) Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number RBC202XA.
In another joint operation in the early hours of today, June 22, 2023, a team raided the hideout of Kabir Bala (aka Okwo), a one-time jailbreaker and notorious gang leader in Ejule, Ofu LGA, Kogi State. Okwo and his gang members engaged the troops in a gun duel, during which he was neutralized. Others, however, fled the area. Items recovered at the scene were one AK-47 rifle with three (3) fully loaded magazines, six (6) locally fabricated weapons, two (2) phones, and charms.
On its part, the DSS calls for vigilance prior to 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.
