The State Security Service (SSS) on Monday said some persons are working with “external forces” to cause “religious violence” in Nigeria. 

SSS spokesman Peter Afunanya, in a statement on Monday, said the plot to destabilise the country include coordinated  attack on some worship centers, religious leaders and some vulnerable personalities. 

“The DSS wishes to alert the public about plans by some elements working with external forces to incite religious violence across the country,” Mr. Afunanya said. 

Urging citizens to report breach of peace in their locality, Mr. Afunanya said “Sokoto, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Rivers, Oyo, Lagos and states in the south-east are major targets of the violence. 

“Targeted States include Sokoto, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Rivers, Oyo, Lagos and those in the South East”, he said. “Part of the plans is to cause inter-religious conflicts as well as use their foot soldiers to attack some worship centres, religious leaders, personalities, key and vulnerable points.”

Last December, the SSS similarly said some criminal elements are planning to carry out attacks during the Yuletide seasons to embarrass President Muhammadu Buhari.