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- Buhari, governors discuss insecurity
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The Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday raised the alarm that National Assembly members would be targets of kidnappers and bandits during the Yuletide.
The security service also confirmed plots by elements it described as desperate power seekers to cause a breakdown of law and order in the country.
Also yesterday, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Babagana Monguno, listed the three religious groups backing terrorist organisations in Nigeria and other Sahel countries.
Miffed by the worsening insecurity in the Northwest, governors from the region met to discuss the crisis. Also, three Northeast governors stormed Aso Villa, Abuja, to brief President Muhammadu Buhari on the security challenges in their states.
Last month, the DSS said it had uncovered plots by marauders to attack military formations in border communities.
At a news briefing in Abuja, DSS disclosed that intelligence at its disposal showed that National Assembly members were primary targets of kidnappings and assassinations during the Yuletide.
It also warned that students would be targets for recruitment into banditry and other crimes during their vacation
DSS Public Relations Officer Peter Afunanya said some desperate power-seekers were using wrong and skewed narratives to mislead citizens and heat up the polity.
He said the unscrupulous elements are exploiting and politicising insecurity in many parts of the country for pecuniary reasons.
Afunanya said: “The Service, therefore, warns that those who are involved in these (plots) should desist from such destabilising acts. It also enjoins politicians to play by the rule and avoid statements or activities capable of inflaming the fires of division and violence, prior to the 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 centres are to be on the alert and watch strange movements and activities around their facilities.
“As schools vacate and students return home for holidays, there is the likelihood that subversive gangs will target them for recruitment for undesirable intents. These may include, but not limited to financial crimes, armed robbery, civil disobedience and violent protests, substance abuse, banditry, and kidnapping.
He added: “Aside from students, members of National Assembly/ Houses of Assembly and other public/private sector workers on vacation may be predisposed to threats of various degrees.
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