DSS: Bandits have crossed the line, we’ll crush them

The Department of State Service (DSS) has vowed to crush bandits and other groups behind the widespread insecurity in the country.

Peter Afunanya, the spokesman of the secret police, who stated this at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, said since they have crossed the lines, the DSS would not hesitate to crush them.

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He also raised alarm that there is a plot to recruit some students who will be going home for vacation into banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, financial crimes and armed robbery.

Afunanya noted that aside students, recessing members of the National Assembly/State Houses of Assembly and other public/private sector workers on vacation may be predisposed to threats of various degrees.

“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 told newsmen at the briefing.

The service also warned politicians, religious and opinion leader to mind their utterances ahead 2023 general election, saying it would deal decisively with anybody that attempts to destabilise peace of the country.

According to the DSS spokesman, “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.”

On IPOB, and the alleged ill-treatment of its detained leader, Afunanya said the Service has, without any fear of contradiction, applied restraint in making public statements over the matter.

Denying all the inciting allegations by IPOB, he said Nnamdi Kanu is not, in any way, maltreated in custody.

He added that accusations of maltreatment negate their Service’s Standard Operation Procedure on the implementation of rights of a suspect.

According to him, Kanu enjoys full luxury at their detention facility, incomparable to any of its type anywhere in the country.

“Adequate attention is paid to Kanu’s health. He has unhindered access to the best medical care and doctors. Kanu, himself, has confirmed to his visitors that the Service has never, in any way, maltreated him.”

“He even confirmed to the quartet of Senators Ike Ikweremadu and Enyinnaya Abaribe; Bishop Sunday Onuoha of the Methodist Church, Nigeria and Co-Chair, Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace and Ambassador Okechukwu Emuchay, MFR, Secretary-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who saw him on Wednesday, 8th December, 2021,” said the DSS spokesperson.