The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a statement clarifying the nature of its recent visit to the office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in Abuja, which had sparked widespread concern and media coverage.
Reports emerged on Monday indicating that DSS operatives had entered SERAP’s office, demanding to speak with the organization’s directors. This action was initially perceived by many as a potentially aggressive move, leading to speculations of harassment or intimidation.
In response, the DSS released a statement on Tuesday, challenging the characterization of the visit as unlawful or coercive. The agency explained that the visit was part of a routine investigation carried out by two unarmed operatives. According to the DSS, the purpose of their visit was part of normal procedural activities rather than any form of raid or undue interference.
“The Department of State Services (DSS) has been inundated with multiple enquiries regarding its alleged unlawful invasion of SERAP offices in Abuja and Lagos,” the statement said. “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 the SERAP office in Abuja, which has unfortunately been skewed and misinterpreted as unlawful harassment and intimidation of SERAP officials.”
The DSS emphasized that such visits and inquiries are a standard practice and do not constitute illegality. “The Service further wishes to state that such official enquiries and liaison are traditional and do not in any way amount to illegality or a raid,” the statement continued.
The agency also reassured the public of its commitment to professionalism and transparency. “While it assures an in-depth 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.”
