DSS has made clarifications on the presence of its operatives at the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on Monday, saying that such visits are routine
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Department of State Services (DSS) has made clarifications on the presence of its operatives at the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on Monday, saying that such visits are routine
News mediums had reported of the invasion of SERAP by DSS officers who reportedly asked to see the rights group’s directors.
A post on SERAP’s X (Twitter) handle on the matter read: “Officers from Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) are presently unlawfully occupying SERAP’s office in Abuja, asking to see our directors.
“President Tinubu must immediately direct the SSS to end the harassment, intimidation, and attack on the rights of Nigerians.”
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The DSS however dismissed the reports of its invasion of the advocacy organisation as inaccurate and misleading in intent.
The Agency stated that a team of two unarmed Service operatives were lawfully detailed on routine investigation to SERAP office in Abuja, adding that the visit had been skewed and misinterpreted as unlawful, harassment and intimidation of SERAP officials.
The statement by the DSS reads:
“The Department of State Services (DSS) has been inundated with multiple enquiries on its alleged unlawful invasion of SERAP offices in Abuja and Lagos.
“This narrative is inaccurate and misleading in its intent. For the records, a team of two (2) unarmed Service operatives were lawfully detailed on routine investigation to SERAP office in Abuja, which has sadly been skewed and misinterpreted as unlawful, harassment and intimidation of SERAP officials.
“The Service further wishes to state that such official enquiries and liaison are traditional and does not in any way amount to illegality or raid.
“While it assures of inadept investigation of these malicious contents, it sues for citizens’ participation in national security management.
“The DSS, therefore, urges the public to disregard these false narratives as it restates its commitment to utmost professionalism in the discharge of its core mandate.
“As always, the DSS website – dss.gov.ng, email address- dsspr@dss.gov.ng and public lines 09153391310 and 09088373515 remain open to citizens.
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