DSS denies alleged abduction of Nigerians

Department of State Services (DSS) said media and Amnesty International (AI) reports that it had been abducting innocent citizens were not true.

The agency said yesterday that it was not involved in any citizen abduction.

DSS spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, who reacted to Peoples Gazette and Amnesty International reports that the DSS had been abducting innocent citizens under Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, described the claim as a misleading narrative.

The DSS spokesperson in a statement he issued last night, said “as part of its enforcement activities, the DSS arrests when, where and if necessary. This is evidently carried out in line with the tenets of democratic ideals.

“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,” he said.

Afunanya continued: “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.

“Public attention should, however, be drawn to the deliberate and determined efforts of the publisher of Peoples Gazette, Samuel Ogundipe, to use his platform to undermine law and order,” he said.