The agency said in a press statement issued on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, by its Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, that the group/persons planned to exploit some fault lines to cause ethno-religious violence in parts of the country.

It warned that the agency would apply the the full wrath of the law on anyone or group found guilty of causing violence in the country, while assuring that it will safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians.

The statement read, “The Department of State Services hereby reminds the public of its earlier warnings about plans by persons and groups to exploit some fault lines to cause ethno-religious violence in parts of the country.

“Latest developments indicate desperate efforts by these groups to subvert public order. In this regard, they have continued to resort to inciting, unguarded and divisive statements and acts. The objective is to pit citizens against one another in order to apparently inflame the embers of tribal and religious discords.

“For the umpteenth time, the Service strongly warns these elements to desist forthwith from their (planned) nefarious acts or face the full wraths of the law. However, the DSS will, in collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies, take necessary steps to ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizenry.”

DSS’ warning came as communities in the South-West region asked Fulani herdsmen to leave the region following increasing kidnappings, murder and rape cases linked to criminal elements among them.