Nigeria: SSS alleges conspiracy to provoke religious violence

The State Security Service (SSS, also known as DSS) has confirmed that it is aware of some individuals’ plans to incite religious crises in the country.
This was made known by the agency in a statement by its spokesman, Peter Afunanya, on Monday evening.
As the primary focus, Mr Afunanya identified 12 states, urging Nigerians to shun any divisive antics.

The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to warn the public of attempts to provoke religious strife across the nation through some elements collaborating with external powers. Sokoto, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Rivers, Oyo, Lagos and those in the South East are targeted states,” he said.

“Part of the plans are to trigger interfaith conflicts and to use their foot soldiers to attack certain worship centers, religious leaders, personalities, key and vulnerable points.”
Therefore, it is recommended that Nigerians be wary of these antics and shun all divisive tendencies aimed at inciting or setting them against each other.’
He said the department is committed to collaborating with sister agencies to ensure the preservation of public order, encouraging those behind the plot to desist.

“However, law-abiding citizens (and residents) are encouraged to report to the nearest security agencies suspected breaches of peace around them,” he said.

In several areas of Nigeria, the SSS advisory arrives on the hills of heightened insecurity.
Aside from Boko Haram terrorists operating primarily in the north-east, many parts of the north-west and north-central were terrorized by armed bandits.
Bandits have also been suspected around the country of rampant kidnappings.

pmnews