DSS denies abducting innocent Nigerians

The Department of State Services (DSS), has refuted claims stating that the service abduct innocent Nigerians.

The service was reacting to an online newspaper publication, quoting Amnesty International (AI) as saying that SSS abduct innocent Nigerians under Buhari regime.

In a statement, signed by the secret service Public Relations Officer, Dr Peter Afunanya, Wednesday, stressed that the DSS as part of enforcement activities, only arrest when and if necessary which is evidently carried out in line with tenets of democratic ideals.

The service spokesperson said, “At no time has the agency embarked on its actions without following laid down procedures in respect of obtaining warrants of arrest or orders for detention from competent legal authorities. The claim of abduction or use of enforced disappearances is an absolute lie and a make-up narrative designed to bring the Service to disrepute.

“The DSS is law abiding and committed to the protection of citizens and sensitive government installations. In doing this, it will continue to discharge its mandate of intelligence collection and timely dissemination of same to relevant action agencies and stakeholders”.

He urged media practitioners in the country to be professional in the discharge of their duties and sieve the quacks amongst them.

According to him, “Media practitioners in the country should rise above parochial considerations, sanitise its fold and fish out quacks among them.

“The media can also peer review and embark on self-censorship as part of achieving professionalism in the industry. They must reject the allure of enticement by external forces to use them to instigate violence or undermine government and its institutions. Otherwise, those who run foul of the law must be ready to face justice either now or in the future”, he added.