In a statement released by Public Relations Officer, Dr. Peter Afunanya on June 22, 2023, the Department of State Services (DSS) claimed to have killed Kabir Bala, aka Okwo, a jailbreaker in Kogi State and captured Abubakar Muhammad, aka Abu Direba, a suspected gunrunner in Nasarawa State.
This occurred as the DSS issued a warning for vigilance ahead of the Eid celebrations, highlighting information indicating plans to attack places of worship and recreational facilities both before and during the holiday.
Afunanya claimed that joint operations carried out by a joint security force made up of the Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Police in Nasarawa and Kogi States resulted in the neutralization of Bala in Kogi State and the arrest of Muhammad in Nasarawa State.
“During the operation, the team discovered 486 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, 22 IEDs that had been primed, N31,500, and a Volkswagen Golf with the license plate RBC202XA.
“A team stormed Okwo’s hideout in Ejule, Ofu LGA of Kogi State in the wee hours of Thursday, June 22, 2023, as part of another joint operation. He was neutralized by the soldiers after he and his gang members engaged them in a gunfight. Some people fled the scene, though. Six locally made guns, two phones, three filled magazines for an AK-47 rifle, charms, and six other items were found at the scene.
“For its part, the DSS urges caution ahead of the Eid celebrations, particularly in light of allegations that attacks on places of worship and recreational facilities were being planned for the days leading up to and during the holiday. The discovery of IEDs that have been primed among the suspected terrorists is proof of this.
“Operators and customers of public locations, including marketplaces and malls, are urged to exercise caution and notify the appropriate security agencies of any suspicious persons or movements. To thwart criminals and their actions, the Service will continue to work with sister authorities in proactive drills that are required.”
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