The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed visiting the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) office in Abuja, claiming it was just a routine investigation.
According to the DSS, two unarmed personnel were sent to SERAP’s office, and they’re dismissing allegations of harassment and intimidation.
It all started when SERAP called out President Bola Tinubu to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to reverse the recent fuel price hike and investigate corruption allegations. SERAP had taken to social media to report that DSS officers were “unlawfully occupying” their office and asking to see their directors.
However, the DSS says this narrative is “inaccurate and misleading.” They claim that such investigations are standard procedure and don’t constitute a raid or harassment. The DSS is urging the public to disregard what they call “false narratives” and reassuring everyone of their commitment to professionalism.
“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,” the DSS was quoted as saying by Daily Trust on Tuesday.
This isn’t the first time the DSS has been involved in controversy. In 2021, they raided Sunday Igboho’s residence, leading to a gunfight and the arrest of several suspects.
