DSS refutes using aggressive tactics against Nigerians
The Department of State Services (DSS) has refuted claims alleging that their officials abduct innocent citizens in Nigeria.
This comes in reaction to a report, which cited Amnesty International (AI) as saying that the DSS kidnapped innocent Nigerians under the President Muhammadu Buhari regime.
The agency maintained that it is a law-abiding and professional agency committed to protecting citizens and sensitive government installations.
As contained in a statement by the spokesperson for DSS, Peter Afunanya, yesterday, the organisation only arrests when, where and if necessary as part of its enforcement activities.
According to him, the secret service’s operations are done in line with doctrines of democracy.
Afunanya stressed that at no time had the agency launched its actions without obeying laid down protocols in respect of procuring warrants of arrest or orders for detention from competent legal authorities
In his words: “The claim of abduction or use of enforced disappearances is an absolute lie and a make-up narrative designed to bring the service to disrepute.
“The DSS is law abiding and committed to the protection of citizens and sensitive government installations. In doing this, it will continue to discharge its mandate of intelligence collection and timely dissemination of same to relevant action agencies and stakeholders.”
He emphasized the necessity for media practitioners to rise above parochial considerations and fish out quacks among them.
“The media can also peer review and embark on self-censorship as part of achieving professionalism in the industry. They must reject the allure of enticement by external forces to use them to instigate violence or undermine government and its institutions. Otherwise, those who run foul of the law must be ready to face justice either now or in the future,” he added.
