DSS Warns Nigerians Against Public Flaunt Of Wealth

The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a warning to Nigerians about the hazards of public displays of wealth, claiming that they are harmful and pose a significant security risk.

Mr Paul Oduh, the Secret Service’s Deputy Director, Security Enforcement in Kwara Command, issued the warning on Friday in Ilorin.

He said this in a paper presentation, entitled: “Security tips for health practitioners in Kwara”, at a symposium organised by the state branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).

Oduh suggested that public displays of prosperity were one of the variables that frequently drew the attention of criminal groups.

He added that uncontrolled displays of opulence and a purposeful display of wealth have the potential to attract kidnappers, bandits, and other criminals.

The DSS deputy director noted that this was not the greatest moment to flaunt one’s military might in the country, especially given the country’s current security issues.

“People must adopt moderate lifestyles, so as not to fall prey to these criminal elements,” he said.

Oduh also observed that having a prideful attitude and sticking to a regular schedule can leave someone vulnerable to preventable attacks.

He emphasized that having unfavorable behavioral habits, such as staying up late all the time and traveling the same route every time, might place people under surveillance by a variety of assailants.

“The country is ravaged by insecurity on daily basis. However, people should not despair, security should be concern of all people and they must be enlightened on it,” he said.

Security advice, according to Oduh, are given to protect and secure lives and property.

“Security can never be 100 per cent everywhere in the world. People should be knowledgeable enough on those things they can do to protect themselves.

“Security denotes free from danger and protection of lives and property where individuals can pursue their lawful activities.

“There is need to accept that threats exist and people are targets of these threats. This is why people should put in place measures to safeguard themselves from such threats,” he said.

Assassination, terrorism, insurrection, kidnapping, ritual killing, cultism, theft, and arson are among the risks to individuals, families, and the country, according to the DSS director.

As a result, Oduh encouraged people to use physical security measures such as burglary proofs, protective security gadgets, security lights, and perimeter fence to defend their houses and properties.

He also recommended people to be aware of what is going on around them, particularly suspicious individuals loitering about a location, because criminal elements could be assessing the area for an attack without anyone knowing.