DSS Responds to SERAP Allegation of Office Invasion

The Department of State Services (DSS) has responded to allegations made by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), following claims that the DSS invaded the organization’s Abuja office, demanding to see its directors.

SERAP’s Allegation

In a statement released recently, SERAP alerted Nigerians to the situation, urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene. The organization called for an end to what it described as ” intimidation, harassment, and attacks” on its directors and operations.

SERAP detailed the incident, stating: “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.”

This event triggered public outcry, with many Nigerians expressing their displeasure, stating that the DSS’s actions violated the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression, which are fundamental to any democratic society.

 DSS Responds to SERAP Allegation

In an official statement issued on Tuesday through its website, the DSS dismissed the claims, clarifying that the situation was a routine investigation that was misunderstood.

According to the DSS, “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.”

The agency added: “For the records, a team of two 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 do not in any way amount to illegality or raid.”

Call for Public Support in Security

In the same statement, the DSS urged the public to cooperate with national security efforts.

They also assured that they would conduct an “in-depth investigation of these malicious contents,” while encouraging citizens’ participation in national security management.

The incident between the DSS and SERAP underscores the delicate balance between maintaining national security and upholding the rights of civil society organizations in Nigeria.

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