The Kaduna State Government has urged residents of the state to be on the alert over the threat of possible terrorist attacks in public places.

According to a statement by Samuel Aruwan, the state commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, there are strong possibilities of terrorists planning to discretely place Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) in some public places such as schools, hospitals, hotels, bars, entertainment centres, restaurants, parks, major roads and places of worship.

”The Kaduna State Government wishes to issue a crucial advisory to citizens across the state, for heightened alertness to the threat of explosive devices planted in public places by terrorists.

This follows sustained assessments by security agencies, and the possibility of terrorists looking to harm citizens, by discreetly placing explosives in public facilities such as schools, hospitals, hotels, bars, entertainment centres, restaurants, parks, major roads and places of worship.

Security agencies are working to ensure that no harm or destruction comes to residents and facilities.

Citizens are however urged to be alive to this threat, and to remain watchful for suspicious persons loitering, or packages seemingly abandoned in strategic places.

Increased general awareness is strongly advised, and frequent thorough checks of premises are recommended.”

The state government urged residents to report any suspicious person or object to the nearest security formation. The Security Operations Room may also be contacted, on the lines 09034000060 and 08170189999.

Quarry operators have also been advised to enhance security on their sites, and to ensure that explosive materials are not readily accessible to be carted away for criminal purposes. Sites will be inspected for compliance.