Nigeria – DSS Denies Invasion of SERAP Offices, Describes Allegations as Misleading

By Utebor Paul, Nigeria

The Department of State Services (DSS) has refuted claims that its operatives unlawfully invaded the offices of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in Abuja.

In a statement issued on its website, the agency labelled the allegations as inaccurate and misleading.

According to the DSS, the presence of its operatives at SERAP’s Abuja office was part of a routine investigation involving two unarmed agents.

The service stressed that this routine procedure was misconstrued as harassment and intimidation by some quarters, a portrayal they find regrettable.

“For the records, a team of two 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 DSS noted.

The security agency explained that such official enquiries and liaisons are traditional practices and do not constitute illegality or an invasion, as alleged by SERAP and others.

While assuring the public of its commitment to investigate what it termed “malicious content” aimed at tarnishing its reputation, the DSS called on citizens to actively participate in the management of national security.

The service reiterated its commitment to professionalism in the discharge of its duties and urged the public to disregard the false narrative surrounding the incident.

Recall that SERAP yesterday accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of intimidation after operatives visited its Abuja office yesterday.