By Nathaniel irobi, Abuja
The heightened sense of security experienced during the Yuletide season in various regions of the country can be attributed to a series of covert operations conducted by the Department of State Services (DSS). These initiatives aimed to curb the violent actions of bandits and other criminal factions, according to security sources who informed ELANZANEWS on Thursday.
Sources revealed that the DSS’s actions resulted in the neutralization of members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the South-East and bandits in Niger State, among other areas.
Elaborating on these developments, a source disclosed to ELANZANEWS that a significant operation was executed on December 30, 2024, targeting armed bandits in the Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State. During this operation, numerous bandits, who had invaded Rafi LGA on motorcycles armed with AK-47 rifles, were neutralized by DSS operatives. Additionally, the operatives seized an array of weapons and motorcycles from the bandits.
This operation marked the second major offensive launched by the DSS against bandits within a week, following an earlier engagement on December 27, 2024, when three bandits were killed in Dogon Dawa, Mairiga LGA of the state.
Just three weeks prior, DSS operatives apprehended notorious bandits terrorizing regions in the North-East and North-West, specifically in the Janyau Fulani Area of Gusau, along the Gusau-Kaura Namoda Road in Zamfara State, and in the Dalori quarters of Maiduguri, Borno State.
Reports indicate that the bandits in Niger State, who had recently attacked Uregi village in Rafi LGA, were convening for a meeting, unaware that DSS operatives had them under surveillance. The operatives launched their attack during this gathering.
A source familiar with the situation noted that three DSS operatives sustained injuries during the engagement but are currently recovering in an undisclosed medical facility.
Reflecting on the security landscape during the Yuletide, a security expert commended the new leadership at the DSS for adopting what he termed “increased synergy.” He emphasized that the overall security situation across the country has significantly improved due to timely intelligence sharing with the military and other security agencies.
He stated, “For instance, it is noteworthy that prior to Christmas, the DSS identified multiple IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) and ESN camps across various southeastern states. Collaborating with the DSS, we effectively addressed the threats posed by IPOB and ESN leaders who were disturbing residents of the Southeast. Thanks to this collaboration, we dismantled IPOB and ESN strongholds in Orsu, Oru East, Oru West, and Orlu LGA in Imo State, where numerous AK-47s and IED-making materials were destroyed.”
He further mentioned that in Enugu, the DSS led an operation to clear the Imilike Agu forest in Udenu LGA, resulting in the destruction of various weapons and the neutralization of several IPOB/ESN commanders.
According to him, similar operations were conducted in Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi States.
“This is why residents in the Southeast were able to celebrate Yuletide in peace for the first time in several years,” he concluded.
