A joint security team comprising the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Force have intercepted and arrested a gunrunner with 22 primed IEDs and 486 rounds of 7.62 x39mm calibre ammunition.
DSS spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya in a statement last night, said the operation was carried out in Keffi local government and a suspect, Abubakar Muhammad (aka Abu Direba) was arrested with those items.
Part of the statement read that, “On 19th June, 2023 along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway in Keffi local government area of Nasarawa State, the team apprehended Abubakar Muhammad (aka Abu Direba), a suspected gunrunner.
“During the operation, 486 rounds of 7.62 x39mm calibre ammunition; 22 primed IEDs, N31,500 and one Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number- RBC202XA were recovered from him.”
In another joint operation in the early hours of 22nd June, 2023, a team raided the hideout of Kabir Bala (aka Okwo), one time jail breaker and notorious gang leader in Ejule, Ofu LGA of Kogi State.
The DSS said Okwo and his gang members engaged the troops in a gun duel during which he was neutralised. Others, however, fled the area.
He said items recovered at the scene were one AK47 rifle with three fully loaded magazines, six locally fabricated weapons, two phones and charms.
The DSS further called for vigilance ahead of 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,” the statement added.
The security agency also urged operators and patrons of public places including markets, malls among others to be watchful and report any suspicious movements and persons to the relevant security agencies.