(UPDATED) The Department of State Services (DSS) has expressed dismay just as it totally condemns the activities of those it called impostors including some security agencies who have continually engaged in illegal security operations, allegedly in the name of the Service, in parts of the country.
A statement by Tony Opuiyo of the DSS said Thursday, these impersonators, in some instances, try to mimic the Service’s operational tactics by using its symbols and paraphernalia especially operational dress codes.
DSS further said the aim, according to information available to the Service, is to accord semblance of legitimacy to their operations and as well leave impressions that the DSS was, in fact, involved. An instance was the recent search which the DSS was falsely accused to have carried out at the Kaduna residence of the former Vice President, His Excellency, Namadi Sambo. Another was the one executed at No.165, Ademola Adetokunbo, Wuse II, Abuja, belonging to Sahara Energy Company.
“Consequently, the public is hereby alerted to be wary of these ugly trends and also informed that not all operatives in black uniforms are personnel of the DSS. The Service is indeed not sparing any efforts to ensure that this is brought to a complete stop. In line with its standard operational procedures, the Service will, in the spirit of public accountability, always inform stakeholders of its activities on the basis of need-to-know principle. Persons and groups, with useful information about suspected illegal operations in any part of the country, are encouraged to avail same to the Service for prompt action. “
