May 16, (THEWILL) – The Department of State Services (DSS) said its operatives and other security agents comprising troops of the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Force, on Monday, raided terrorists’ hideouts in Kaduna and Kano States, arresting five suspects.
DSS Spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, said during the raid in Kaduna State, the terrorists deployed IEDs against the fighting security forces.
He said, “The Service and troops of the Nigerian Army and Police Force, in the early hours of 15th May, 2023, simultaneously raided hideouts of insurgents/terrorists in parts of Kaduna and Kano States.
“During the raid in Kaduna State, the terrorists deployed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) against the fighting security forces.
“One of the terrorists, who wore a suicide jacket, blew himself up while three suspects were arrested.
“Items recovered upon a search on the group’s accommodation, after Police EOD had diffused other IEDs, were: two suicide jackets, one AK-47 rifle, a pistol and one laptop.”
Meanwhile, in Kano State, the DSS said two suspects were arrested while recovered items include a pistol, 11 mobile phones, two hand grenades, one fully charged AK-47 magazine, two empty AK-47 magazines, one Peugeot 307 car and an ID card belonging to a suspect that escaped.
According to Afunanya, “Intelligence had earlier revealed that high-profile terrorist targets were regrouping in the North-West to carry out dastardly acts in the area. Notably, the steady Military operations in the North East have necessitated the insurgents’ escape to the North West and Central zones where they are establishing active cells.
“The Service commends the Nigerian Military and Police for their resilience and support, which led to the success of the operation. The sustained interagency synergy is, without doubt, a game changer in counter-threat actions.
“Also, the Service wishes to state very clearly that it will continue to collaborate with sister agencies to rid the nation of criminal elements, particularly during this transition period and even beyond. This is more so that certain persons are desperate to undermine the process.
“But the Service will resist this and ensure a seamless event. It will always cooperate with stakeholders to achieve a peaceful environment critical to the pursuit of legitimate businesses by law-abiding citizens and residents.”
