Why we invaded SERAP’s office in Abuja – DSS

The Department of State Services (DSS) has responded to allegations made by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) regarding an invasion of its Abuja office.

SERAP had raised the alarm, claiming that DSS officers stormed their office, demanding to meet with the organization’s directors.

In a statement released to News360 Nigeria, the rights group urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the DSS to cease what they described as intimidation, harassment, and threats of arrest against their leadership.

It noted that some officers from DSS invaded their Abuja office. Describing the looks of the officers, the group opined that “A tall, large, dark-skinned woman entered our office, accompanied by a slim, dark-skinned man. Other officers were sighted in two unmarked vehicles stationed outside our office. The officers who interrogated our office requested to see our directors”.

In view of this, Nigerians took to various communication channels to condemn DSS action, noting that its unjust action represents a clear violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression, fundamental pillars in any democratic society.

But reacting in a statement on Tuesday via its official website, the secret service justified its action, saying that their routine investigation was misinterpreted.

Read the full statement bellow:

“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 indept 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”.