The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a security alert on the activities of kidnappers, bandits, and other criminals ahead of Christmas season.
Criminals may target National Assembly members and other personnel who would be traveling and visiting their country homes for the Christmas and New Year holidays, according to the DSS’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Peter Afunanya, in a statement released on Tuesday.
To that aim, the DSS issued a warning to everyone to be more security alert and avoid places and activities that may put them at risk.
While announcing the DSS’ willingness to address security concerns, Afunanya urged citizens to report any suspicious person or activity to the nearest security post.
He also cautioned those including politicians who might be planning to take advantage of the season to cause problems to desist from such a plan or act as the DSS won’t tolerate the kind of behavior.
Afunanya said: “The Service, therefore, warns that those who are involved in these should desist from such destabilizing acts.
“It also enjoins politicians to play by the rule and avoid statements or activities capable of inflaming the fires of division and violence before 2023 elections.
“Opinion molders like the clergy, religious and traditional rulers are also to guard their utterances and avoid inciting pronouncements.
“In a related development, it is common knowledge that criminal elements will heighten their inglorious activities before, during, and after the festive periods.
“Therefore, religious and community leaders, hoteliers and operators of markets, parks, recreational and relaxation centers are to be at alert and watch strange movements and activities around their facilities.
“Such facilities include places of worship, palaces, markets, schools, and other public buildings.
“Owners and operators of these public spaces and their patrons should endeavor to isolate and report suspected rogues to security agencies for a prompt response.
“Consequently, the Service’s interactive website and complaint lines will remain active and available to the public.
“Its formations at the State and Local Government levels will be open 24 hours of the day. This is in line with the Service’s commitment and support to the populace.
“As schools vacate and students return home for holidays, there is a likelihood that subversive gangs will target them for recruitment for undesirable intents.
“These may include but are not limited to financial crimes, armed robbery, civil disobedience and violent protests, substance abuse, banditry, and kidnapping.
“In this respect, parents and guardians are advised to be watchful of their children and wards and ensure that they do not engage in unlawful acts.
“Aside from students, recessing members of National Assembly/State Houses of Assembly and other public/private sector workers on vacation may be predisposed to threats of various degrees.
“This also applies to Nigerians who may travel from within and outside the country to join their loved ones for the celebrations.
“These individuals are susceptible to kidnapping, hijack, assassinations, armed robbery, and political manipulations.
“They are advised to be security conscious in order not to fall victims of these attacks and destructive political maneuvers.
“Let me reiterate at this juncture that those who sponsor kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, insurgency, and all kinds of attacks on security agents, civilians, and vulnerable populations should have a rethink.
“These persons, whether in the North or South, know themselves. There is no doubt that they have crossed the lines and it is now time to crush them.
Ada Peter
