The Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communication of DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, made this known on Tuesday in a press statement.

He alleged that the protests were designed with sinister objectives to coincide with the Democracy Day celebration.

The DSS warned that while citizens might have the rights of assembly and expression, such freedoms should not be used to undermine public safety and national security.

It warned the citizens to avoid being drawn into any form of violence as it would not be tolerated.

READ ALSO: FG declares June 12 public holiday to mark democracy day

The statement reads in part: “The determination by some non-state actors to incite mass disaffection through demonstrations that may turn violent will not be tolerated. However, it is instructive to note that violent demonstrations are at variance with the peaceful disposition of the Federal Government to amicably address all contentions including the minimum wage. Citizens are, therefore, called upon to resist any persuasions to be lawless or cause disorder and anarchy in the nation. Displeased persons are rather encouraged to appropriately channel their grievances through the right channels and procedures.

“Consequently, the DSS reaffirms its unequivocal position to protect the country from inimical acts being orchestrated by disgruntled groups to cause a breakdown of law and order. It will also sustain collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, including sister security agencies, to maintain the peace as well as protect lives and property across the nation. Law abiding citizens are enjoined to go about their businesses without fear.

“The Service, while felicitating the government and citizens on this auspicious occasion of celebrating 25 years of unbroken democracy, calls for continued patriotism, unity and commitment in building a Nigeria of our collective dream. Meanwhile, the DSS website, dss.gov.ng; email address- dsspr@dss.gov.ng and Telephone lines +2349153391309;+2349088373514 remain open to the public in the event that there is need to contact it.”

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The warning is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the spokesman of the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya.

He said the warning became necessary in view of an alleged plan by some elements to use the opportunity of the protest to foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence.

While saying that such development would worsen the socio-economic situation across the country, the DSS suggested that the parties should pursue dialogue and negotiation rather than engaging in conducts that could heighten tension.

The statement reads in part:

“It is common knowledge that all levels of Government are striving to ameliorate the prevailing economic condition and as such, should be given a benefit of the doubt. So far, appropriate authorities are working assiduously with a spectrum of stakeholders to fashion out modalities to address the current difficulties. They should, therefore, be given the chance to handle the challenges at hand.

READ ALSO: Akeredolu: Ondo govt declares two-day public holiday

“In this vein, citizens are encouraged to recognise that what remains unsolved in peace time, would not be attained in war-time. The timeless piece of the esteemed Poet, JP Clark, “The Casualties” is a resonating reminder to us on the possible dangers of escalated conflicts. In time of trouble, everyone will be a casualty.

“Also, ongoing wars in the global scene is a stark reminder of their catastrophic repercussions on the affected countries’ domestic environments thus, the critical need to protect and maintain our internal stability and unity. Those exploiting the fault lines in the country need to have a rethink as resort to negativities will endanger our peaceful coexistence with dire consequences.

“Similarly, parents and guardians are implored to exert authority in guiding their children and wards from inimical acts capable of jeopardising public safety and harmony. Additionally, all sectors, including political parties, opposition groups, religious and traditional institutions, civil society and non governmental bodies are called upon to eschew violence; demonstrate leadership and statesmanship in these challenging times. Making political capital out of the current situation or involving in divisive utterances at a time like this, will be of no benefit to any peace-loving Nigerian. Citizens are advised to be vigilant and not allow fifth columnists and hostile forces or agents to use them to destabilise the peace of the nation.

“The DSS stands opposed to violence as a means of settling our present day challenges, be they economic, political or otherwise. Accordingly, the Service will work with sister security and law enforcement agencies to ensure that lasting peace is maintained in the country.”

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The DSS gave the warning on Thursday in a statement by its Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Dr. Peter Afunanya.

I emphasised that “individuals or groups that may decide to engage in illegitimate acts or inimical conducts to public order will be decisively dealt with as dictated by the law.”

The statement reads in full:

“The Department of State Services, DSS, has observed rising trends and patterns of incendiary comments by some personalities of influence and representatives of non-governmental entities within and outside the country. Such statements run against public peace and harmony.

“It is strongly believed that a resort to acerbic pronouncements by certain persons will not only heat-up the polity but set the ground for deep-seated animosities and divisions among the populace. Also, it serves the country no good if its own citizens, whether at home or abroad, demarket or subvert her through misleading and false narratives.

“With the elections and the attendant contentions legally over, it is expected that we should forge ahead in nation building without rancour or acrimony. This is against the backdrop that reckless rhetorics have the capacity to lead to social unrest and instability, which can put the country’s wellbeing and the general safety of citizens at risk.

“Similarly, the Service urges key players and their supporters in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States to conform to the rules of engagement and specifically the electoral law during the 11th November, 2023 gubernatorial elections in the areas. The aim is to avert situations likely to undermine the processes. So far, the Service has substantially liaised with INEC, sister security agencies and relevant NGOs to ensure hitch free exercises in the affected States.

“The Service, therefore, implores all stakeholders, irrespective of their political affiliations or grievances, to engage in respectful and constructive conversations that promote collective understanding. It has thus become imperative that public commentaries should shift towards unity and peace necessary for national development and security. This should be our shared responsibility and indeed the priority of everyone.

“Those on election duties, including the media and civil society, are encouraged to avoid things that will inflame sentiments and cause a breakdown of law and order. Broadcast and monitoring activities should be devoid of manipulations. Stakeholders are enjoined to note that politics should not be used to destroy the country or any part of it.

“However, individuals or groups that may decide to engage in illegitimate acts or inimical conducts to public order will be decisively dealt with as dictated by the law. Forewarned is forearmed.

“Consequently, citizens are encouraged to be patriotic as well as recognise that our loyalty and love to the nation should transcend individual or parochial interests. Everyone is called upon to eschew bitterness and promote dialogue that contributes to the progress of the nation. Together, we can build a stronger and more secure future for our beloved country.”

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He had been in the custody of the DSS since June 14 after he was suspended from office.

Bawa’s release was made known in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya.

READ ALSO: Epe film project: Advice to Gov. Sanwo-Olu

According to him, Bawa was released Wednesday night, but did not give further details.

His words: “DSS confirms release of former EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, a few hours ago, today, Oct. 25.”

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A reliable source quoted the Yoruba Nation leader, Prof. Banji Akintoye, on Sunday as saying that Igboho’s release was carried out a “few hours ago.”

The source told FrontPage correspondent that Igboho was already on his way to Germany, his destination before he was arrested.

Recall that Igboho fled Nigeria in 2021 when operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, stormed his residence in Ibadan, in a bid to arrest him.

Addressing a press conference on the matter, the spokesman of the DSS, Peter Afunanya, on Thursday, July 1, 2021, said 13 suspects, including a female and 12 males, were arrested during the raid.

He was heading towards Germany through Benin Republic when he was arrested and put in protective custody.

He plans to reunite with his family in Germany.

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Dr Peter Afunanya, the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications of the DSS, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the collaboration was on the sex scandal involving a professor and the erstwhile Dean of Faculty of Law of the Institution.

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Afunanya said the professor had refused to honour several invitations by the ICPC before his eventual arrest on October 4 in Calabar following a court order.

“The Service, following the Commission’s request and in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation, supported it for a successful operation.

“This is to guide public understanding of the latest developments on the matter,” he said.

Source: NAN

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The security agency made this known on Monday in a press statement issued by its spokesman, Mr Peter Afunanya.

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The DSS said that intelligence reports indicated that the plotters included some politicians who were out to mobilise unsuspecting student leaders, ethnic based associations, youth and disgruntled groups for the planned action.

It stated further that it had identified the ring leaders of the plot as well as sustained monitoring around them.

The DSS warned tertiary institutions to discourage their students, and parents to admonish their children to avoid being lured into participating in the conducts capable of causing chaos.

“While the DSS is aware of Government’s efforts and determination to resolve some of the challenges confronting the nation, it warns those desirous of subverting national security to retrace their steps. This is more so that it will not hesitate to legally come against persons and groups behind the devious plans,” the DSS stated further.

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Emefiele who is standing trial over alleged illegal passion of firearms was granted bail to the tune of N20 million by the court upon arraignment.

However, following moves by officials of the NCoS to take Emefiele to prison, DSS operatives went physical and took over the custody of the former CBN boss as he was whisked away.

The face-off has since become a source of controversy with the public condemning the “show of shame.”

But in a statement issued on Wednesday, July 26, the spokesman of the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, said the matter was already being investigated.

READ ALSO: Emefiele re-arrested six hours after court bail

According to him, the probe was with a view to identify the role played by specific persons as well as undertaking disciplinary actions if necessary and drawing some lessons going forward.

Describing the face-off as unfortunate, he said the action of the operatives did not reflect the professional disposition of the DSS.

He said it was not the tradition of the DSS to undermine the judiciary.

“The DSS recognises the Judiciary as a critical component in nation-building, national development and security management,” Afunanya said.

He added: “Also, the service has a robust working relationship with sister security and law enforcement agencies including the NCoS.”

The spokesman stated further on the “For emphasis, the DSS has not broken any laws in handling the Emefiele case despite efforts by some elements to skew the narratives to the contrary.

“The service had since alerted the public of sinister plots to discredit its leadership. In pursuit of its assignments, it will strive to remain professional, maintain ethical standards and a high sense of discipline.

“The service will ensure that it will not be used for clout and fame chasing or delusional heroism. It will, however, remain focused on its national security mandate.”

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The DSS, in a statement by its spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, said the denial became necessary in order to prevent unsuspecting members of the public from taking lies for facts.

The DSS said the claims in the reports were totally false and “only figments of the creators’ imaginations.”

The statement issued on Sunday reads in full:

“The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to false reports by sections of the online media particularly SaharaReporters, Peoples Gazette and Jackson Ude. The so called news platforms variously and wrongly fed the public with misleading narratives and accusations against the Service.

“For instance, SaharaReporters wrote that the Service stormed the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and carted away certain files from them. Jackson Ude falsely claimed that there is a rumble in the DSS due to nepotism. He further accused the Service of snooping on Judges on the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. On its part, Peoples Gazette reported that Senator Abdulaziz Yari was arrested for alleged refusal to pick the President’s phone call (whatever that meant). There are other variants of unsubstantiated and anonymous petitions flying around against the DGSS, his family and some officials.

READ ALSO: DSS nabs gunmen in Kano, calls for vigilance

“The Service ordinarily would not have responded to these inaccuracies but for the fickle minded and vulnerable persons as well as the unsuspecting public that may take the lies for facts. To set the records straight, the DSS did not execute operations of any kind at the ICPC and CCB or remove files from their offices. Instructively, the two agencies have, on their own, refuted the news in widely circulated press statements. It is petty, if not laughable, to report that Yari was invited for refusing to pick the President’s call. This is the height of junk journalism. Yari knows why he was invited.

“In fact, the Service denies all the allegations as they lack any factual basis or credibility. They are only figments of the creators’ imaginations. This is more so that the publishers in question have been noted in and outside the country for their notoriety for peddling fake news, sensational and gutter journalism. Without a modicum of proper and civilised behaviour, they indulge in character assassinations and sundry blackmail as business.

“It is not in doubt that their reports under reference are hatchet jobs designed to smear or impeach the integrity of the Service and its leadership. Notably, the Service proactively alerted the public about this development earlier in June, 2023. While it is aware of the sponsors of these campaigns of calumny, it will simply allow them to exhaust themselves knowing too well that they would someday be brought to justice. Many days, it is said, are sure for the thief but there will be that one day for the owner of the house. It is clear that the writers and their sponsors are oblivious of the accolades the Service has continued to receive from majority of stakeholders for excellent performance and its professional demeanour in handling many critical issues of national importance. Rather, they have chosen to use their platforms to subvert the Agency and undermine its capabilities.

“Restating its respect for the rule of law, independence and autonomy of other agencies including the Judiciary and Legislature, it will not shirk its responsibilities or allow some detractors to prevent it from undertaking its statutory duties or carrying out lawful orders by constituted authorities. If Yari or anyone else is to be invited or taken into custody, the Service will not hesitate to do so as far as that is procedurally done within the confines of the law.

“The Service will remain focused, resilient, patriotic and professional in the conduct of its affairs. Members of the public are enjoined to disregard the misleading stories which are aimed at causing disaffection in the country and disparaging the Service’ leadership. The Service will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to address security challenges in the country in line with its mandate and the directives of the President. It does not matter how many times naysayers and hostile agents will plan to distract it.”

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The security alerted the public in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, PRO, Dr. Peter Afunanya.

It called on all to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements and persons to relevant security personnel.

The statement reads in part: “On its part, the DSS calls for vigilance prior to the Eid celebrations more so that reports had indicated plans to attack worship and recreational centres before and during the festivities. This is evident in the recovery of primed IEDs among the suspected terrorists.

“Operators and patrons of public places including markets, malls etc. are advised to be watchful and report any suspicious movements and persons to the relevant security agencies.”

The DSS said it would continue to partner with sister agencies for necessary proactive actions to frustrate criminals and their activities.

Giving update on its latest efforts at ensuring security, the DSS said a joint security team comprising the DSS, Nigerian Army and Police carried out operations in Nasarawa and Kogi States.

According to the PRO, on June 19, 2023, along Abuja- Keffi Expressway in Keffi local government area of Nasarawa State, the team apprehended Abubakar Muhammad (a.k.a. Abu Direba), a suspected gunrunner.

He said during the operation, the team seized 486 rounds of 7.62 x39mm calibre ammunition; 22 primed IEDs; the sum of N31,500, and one Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number- RBC202XA.

Afunanya added that in another joint operation in the early hours of June 22, 2023, a team raided the hideout of Kabir Bala (a.k.a. Okwo), one time jail breaker and  notorious gang leader in Ejule, Ofu local government of Kogi State.

He said Okwo and his gang members engaged the troops in a gun duel during which he was neutralised.

The DSS spokesperson said others, however, fled the area.

He said items recovered at the scene were one AK47 rifle with three fully loaded magazines, six locally fabricated weapons, two phones and charms.

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