Amid rising security challenges, the Department of State Service (DSS) says recessing members of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly as well as other public, private sector workers on vacation may be predisposed to threats of various degrees.
DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya, at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, said “these individuals are susceptible to kidnapping, hijack, assassination, armed robbery and political manipulations.”
The DSS had for long been issuing advisory to VIPs in general but this is the first time the security outfit was specific.
Of recent, the legislators themselves have been speaking on top of their voices that they could not visit their hometowns and constituencies because insecurity had reached the rooftop.
‘You should be on the alert’
While shedding more light on the level of insecurity as the legislators and other office holders proceed on recession for the Yuletide, the DSS spokesman advised them to be security conscious “in order not to fall victims of these attacks and destructive manoeuvres.”
He also said, “subversive elements” were plotting to recruit students, who would be going home for vacation, into banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, financial crimes, armed robbery, civil disobedience, violent protests and substance abuse.
He urged those sponsoring kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, insurgency and all kinds of attacks on security agents, civilians and vulnerable populations to have a re-think.
Afunanya warned that they had crossed the lines and would be crushed.
“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,” he said.
He also warned politicians, religious and opinion leaders to mind their utterances ahead of the 2023 general elections, saying the DSS would deal decisively with anybody that attempts to destabilise the peace of the country.
“The Service, therefore, warns that those who are involved in these 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 moulders like the clergy, religious and traditional rulers are also to guard their utterances and avoid inciting pronouncements.”
Daily Trust
