DSS raises alarm over plots to taint the image of its DG, key officials

The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has uncovered plans by some politicians and disgruntled elements within and outside the government to sponsor smear campaigns against the DGSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi and key officials over the Service’s uncompromising stance on some critical governance and policy issues.

The DSS made the disclosure on Tuesday, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Dr Peter Afunanya in Abuja.

The service revealed that those behind the plot have engaged Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations to not only sustain but stage further rallies, road-shows and press conferences and use the occasions to discredit Bichi.

They said some sections of the media have been briefed to implement the strategy through sponsored articles, commentaries and features to malign the DG, his family and select officials of the Service.

The DSS further said that it is monitoring developments and will allow plotters to either exhaust themselves or rescind the plan of action. Otherwise, no amount of intimidation, harassment and blackmail will deter it from discharging its duties. However, it would not idly watch a group of dissatisfied gang to undermine the Service and its highly dedicated Leadership and Management.

The DSS however advised the general public to be wary of these tendencies and ignore the antics of dark forces out to impugn the character of the DG.

It also restated its unalloyed support to the President on his resolve to continue to confront head-on, threats to national security as well as create the enabling environment necessary for the 2023 general elections to hold.