‘Stop using our name for illegal operations’, DSS warns security agencies 

By Tunde Adetunji, Abuja
The Department of State Services (DSS) has warned security and anti-corruption agencies allegedly using the name of the Service to carry out illegal operations in parts of the country to stop.
The DSS was reacting to the recent search which the Service was falsely accused to have carried out at the Kaduna residence of the former Vice President, His Excellency, Namadi Sambo and another raid executed at No.165, Ademola Adetokunbo, Wuse II, Abuja, belonging to Sahara Energy Company.
A statement signed by the spokesman, Tony Opuiyo on Thursday in Abuja said these impersonators in some instances, try to mimic the Service’s operational tactics by using its symbols and paraphernalia especially operational dress codes.
Opuiyo said, the aim according to information available to the Service, was to accord semblance of legitimacy to their operations and as well leave impressions that the DSS was, in fact, involved.
The statement reads: “The Department of State Services (DSS) has noted, with dismay and total condemnation, the activities of impostors including some security agencies who have continually engaged in illegal security operations, allegedly in the name of the Service, in parts of the country.
“Consequently, the public is hereby alerted to be wary of these ugly trends and also informed that not all operatives in black uniforms are personnel of the DSS.
“The Service is indeed not sparing any efforts to ensure that this is brought to a complete stop. In line with its standard operational procedures, the Service will, in the spirit of public accountability, always inform stakeholders of its activities on the basis of need-to-know principle,” the statement added.
He therefore, urged persons and groups, with useful information about suspected illegal operations in any part of the country to avail same to the Service for prompt action.