SERAP: Our routine investigation, misinterpreted – DSS justifies action

The Department of the State Service, DSS, has reacted to the allegation leveled against it by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP.

SERAP yesterday alerted Nigerians that the secret service invaded its Abuja office, demanding to see the rights group’s directors.

The rights group in a statement to Vanguard urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately direct DSS to end the intimidation, harassment and attack against their organization and the threat of arrest against its directors.

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 below:

“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”.