DSS counters SERAP’s claim, insists it didn’t invade its Abuja office

DSS clarified that its operatives that visited SERAP’s office were unarmed and were just conducting a routine investigation

By Kehinde Okeowo

The Department of State Services (DSS), has refuted claims that it invaded the office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

TheNiche had earlier reported that the operatives of the DSS stormed the office of the nonprofit, nonpartisan, legal and advocacy organisation in Abuja.

The report further noted that the officers were demanding to see the rights group’s directors

A post on SERAP’s X (Twitter) handle 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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Reacting to the allegations in a statement issued on Tuesday, the secret police challenged SERAP’s narrative, clarifying that unarmed members of the service were conducting a routine investigation.

It said, “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 the 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 in-depth 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.”