September 10, (THEWILL) – The Department of State Services (DSS) has dismissed allegations of harassment and intimidation by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), saying only two unarmed personnel were sent to the Abuja office of the organisation at Wuse Zone 1 in Abuja, on Monday.
SERAP had raised alarm on Monday, over the invasion of its Office by DSS operatives.
“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”, SERAP said on its X page on Monday.
However, the Service, in a statement, urged the public to disregard what they called “false narratives” and reassured everyone of their commitment to professionalism. It said the two unarmed operatives were lawfully detailed on a routine investigation to the office.
An unsigned statement by the DSS reads: “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 a 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 do not 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.
“As always, the DSS website – dss.gov.ng, email address – [email protected], and public lines 09153391310 and 09088373515 remain open to citizens.”
