The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has arrested two men, Sharu Tabula and Isma’il Mangu, for deliberately inciting violence in parts of Kano State.
According to the agency, the suspects had recorded harmful messages and shared them through various social media channels.
In the messages, the agency said the suspects championed certain political interests and directly called on their supporters to violently attack those opposed to them, including security personnel during Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly election in the state.
The agency also stated that it was aware of plans by a political party to organise solidarity protests for the suspects in Kano as well as storm offices of some of security agencies on Thursday.
This was contained in a statement signed by the DSS Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, and made available to newsmen on Thursday.
“While the service alerts the public of this planned illegal action, it calls on the concerned party to shelve it forthwith or be ready to face the consequences. The DSS assures that it will not idly watch misguided persons or groups undermine the peace and security of the state.
“The leadership of the said party should rein in its members and urge them to desist from conducts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order in Kano and its environs before, during and after the scheduled election.
“Meanwhile, the service is collaborating with sister security agencies to ensure that adequate security is provided for a successful electoral exercise,” the statement read in part.
The DSS said aside Kano, it recently arrested similar subversive elements that threatened violence in other states of the federation
According to the government security outfit, they had on 8th of March 2023 enjoined politicians to engage constructively and shun violence, fake news and hate speech. They also reiterate the call for political players to abide by the letters of the electoral act and guidelines.
“All and sundry are advised to positively contribute to the sustenance of peace and democracy in Nigeria,” the statement added.
