The National Civil Society of Nigeria (NCSCN) has firmly denied reports alleging an invasion and attempted arrest of officials from the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by operatives of the Department of State Security Service (DSS). This was disclosed by NCSCN’s Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu, during a press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday.
Akinlosotu stated that NCSCN conducted an independent investigation into the incident to verify the validity of the claims and concluded that the allegations were false. According to him, their investigation included a probe around the SERAP office and consultations with the DSS Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“We were shocked by the level of sensationalism with which this incident was reported to the public,” Akinlosotu said. “Our findings revealed that not only has the story been twisted, but it has also been wrapped in untrue and misleading narratives that could incite public contempt and damage the reputation of the DSS in the FCT.”
Akinlosotu acknowledged that while there have been isolated cases in the past where DSS officers displayed overzealous or non-professional behavior, this was not the case with the alleged SERAP incident. He stressed the importance of ensuring accurate and context-driven reporting on sensitive security issues.
“It is necessary to set the records straight. Matters of security are delicate, and any misrepresentation can have far-reaching consequences, potentially leading to social unrest or a breakdown of peace and order,” Akinlosotu cautioned. He called on media outlets and public commentators to exercise restraint in the way such reports are framed, especially in the current volatile political climate.
According to the NCSCN’s investigation, there was no evidence of any invasion, intimidation, or occupation of SERAP’s office by DSS operatives. “From our findings, there were no threats of arrest or harassment. What we encountered was a report of a civil interaction and a friendly conversation between DSS officers and SERAP’s leadership concerning national issues,” he added.
The NCSCN’s investigation comes in the wake of heightened concerns about the role of state security services in civil society matters, particularly amid growing public discourse around accountability and transparency. SERAP, a prominent civil society organization known for advocating against corruption and promoting human rights, has often been vocal on matters concerning the government and state institutions.
The DSS, in turn, has faced criticism in some quarters for its handling of certain civil society groups. However, Akinlosotu reiterated the need to distinguish between genuine overreach and false narratives.
“It’s critical to separate facts from fiction. There must be a commitment to responsible journalism and balanced reporting, especially when dealing with matters that could trigger public anxiety or distrust in our security institutions,” he remarked.
The NCSCN’s findings also highlight the broader issue of misinformation in public discourse. Akinlosotu urged Nigerians to be vigilant about the sources of information they consume and to avoid spreading sensationalized or unverified reports.
“False narratives have the potential to not only disrupt societal peace but also to undermine the credibility of civil society organizations and government institutions alike. As citizens, we all have a duty to uphold the truth and safeguard the integrity of our nation,” Akinlosotu concluded.
