Security Forces Unveil Another Bombing Plot by Boko Haram Sect

SSS DG, ITA EKPEYONG 

Following the backlash of the unanticipated bomb blast that went off in Sabon Gari area of Kano, Monday, a joint intelligence report by the Department of State Service (DSS) and the Police, have revealed that the end of bombings might not be in sight yet. 

This is just as security expert and President of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON), Dr. Ona Ekhomu, lamented the alarming metastasizing of the Boko Haram sect, adding that the bombings in Kano showed that the threat is still grave and rippling.

The report according to a high ranking security official stressed that residents of some states especially in the North, be warned to keep off  viewing centres, drinking joints and most importantly, crowded ceremonies. 

Speaking on strict conditions of anonymity, the source said states like Niger, Plateau in Jos, Kano and Abuja amongst others, including Adamawa, Yobe and Borno which are currently under the current emergency rule, have been earmarked for bombing by the sect. 

The source added that the intelligence gathering by operatives also uncovered a plot by the sect to bomb crowded places, hence the warning for people to exercise caution and keep off such areas and gatherings. 

The deadly plot it was gathered was allegedly mapped out to target markets, football viewing centres,  religious gatherings, drinking joints and restaurants, but specifically targeted at places with large number of persons. 

He said although security operatives are a step above the insurgents, it would however be wise if the residents apply  caution and become more security conscious, thereby easing the job of security operatives.

He added that it was through such accurate intelligence gathering that the men of 81 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Obi Umahi,  were able to round off 42 Boko Haram members who had migrated to both Lagos and Ogun from the North. 

He said, "We are on top of the situation and for security measures, we cannot disclose the modus operandi we have put in place to checkmate the threat, to avoid tipping off the terrorists.

"But whilst we are doing our job, it would go a long way to help us work if citizens are more conscious of their environment. We are in unfriendly times and so, all must be on guard to fight this people together."

A text message sent to the DSS Spokesperson, Marilyn Ogah, as well as the Police Force Spokesperson, Frank Mba, a Chief Superintendent of Police, to confirm the report was not replied to as press time.

Meanwhile, Ekhomu raised fears that the displacement of the sect members from the North due to strong enforcement measures in that area would only force criminals to migrate elsewhere.

He made this disclosure following the recent harvesting of 42 members of the sect whom were arrested in Lagos and Ogun over a period of two weeks. 

While urging Nigerians to maintain constant vigilance in order to prevent future terrorist attacks, he said the recent bombings in Kano has shown that the Boko Haram threat is still grave.

He said, "According to the displacement theory of crime, with the emergency rule in the North East which has been quite effective and commendable, the terrorists would either give up the fight or migrate to border states or elsewhere.

"It is time Nigerians stop denying the reality of terrorism and understating the fatality and casualty figures that result from terrorist attacks.  

"It is pertinent to note that the 45 lives lost in the Sabon Gari Kano bombings could have been saved if the authorities and other Nigerians were not in denial."

He advised state governments to urgently develop and implement the State Improvised Explosive Device Prevention Initiative (SIEDPI).  

According to him, the initiative would be a state-wide Improvised Explosive Device (IED) awareness and consciousness program that would teach Nigerians about Terrorists Attacks Pre-Incident Indicators  (TAPIs).

He said the initiative would help mobilise and enroll citizens in the fight against terrorism, adding that the SIEDPI would help to detect potential bombers and enable contact with the authorities for rapid response.