DSS Urges Nigerians to Avoid Crowded Areas Due to Potential Threats

• DSS advises Nigerians to avoid crowded places and suspicious locations to mitigate threats, particularly from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
• Spokesperson Peter Afunanya stresses the importance of maintaining peace by exercising vigilance and caution during the upcoming religious seasons

The Department of State Services (DSS) issued a cautionary message to Nigerians on Friday, advising them to steer clear of crowded places or suspicious locations to mitigate potential threats, particularly those posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

In a statement addressed to the Christian and Muslim faithful ahead of the Lent and upcoming Ramadan seasons, respectively, Peter Afunanya, the spokesperson for the secret police, emphasized the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment by exercising vigilance and caution.

Afunanya urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to refrain from engaging in economic exploitation, sabotage, or profiteering during these significant periods of religious observance.

The secret police spokesman said, “Accordingly, the Management extends its heartfelt congratulations for peace, unity and harmony to adherents of these faiths. The DSS recognises the significance of these sacred rites and encourages worshippers to promote understanding, compassion and respect for one another during and after the exercises.

“It appeals to stakeholders to refrain from economic exploitation, sabotage or profiteering during these important obligations. This is more so that illegal practices such as price gouging or unethical marketing tactics are ungodly, violate fairness, and can undermine the true essence of the holy events.

“As believers, it is incumbent upon us to uphold good standards and ensure that everyone can observe religious duties with ease and dignity. Furthermore, the Service encourages clerics and religious leaders to uphold empathy and prioritise cooperation and conflict prevention beyond the periods under reference.

“Similarly, the media is encouraged to utilise their platforms to foster informed and accurate engagements that (can) enhance the achievement of national security objectives and interests.

“Likewise, 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 any strange objects, activities and movements of hostile elements to relevant security agencies.

“In the same vein, the Service calls for tolerance, bonds of brotherhood, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence among the populace. Overall, the Service recommits to providing 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, being our brother’s keepers, and others, and by these, advance a more inclusive and equitable society for us all.”