The Department of State Service (DSS) has revealed conspiracies by “subversive groups” to attract students returning home for the summer into banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and financial crimes.
Kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, insurgency, and other attacks on security agents, civilians, and vulnerable populations have crossed the line, according to the Service, and its personnel will not hesitate to defeat them.
Apart from students, recessing members of the National Assembly/State Houses of Assembly, and other public/private sector personnel on vacation may be susceptible to threats of varying degrees, according to DSS Spokesperson Peter Afunanya, who revealed these in Abuja at a press briefing.
“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”, Afunanya said.
The DSS also urged politicians, religious leaders, and opinion leaders to watch their words ahead of the 2023 general elections, stating that anyone attempting to destabilize the country’s calm will be dealt with harshly.
“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 2023 elections.
“Opinion moulders like the clergy, religious and traditional rulers are also to guard their utterances and avoid inciting pronouncements”, the Service warned.
