The Department of State Services (DSS) is Nigeria’s main domestic intelligence and security agency, established in 1986 to replace the Nigerian Security Organization (NSO). Headquartered in Abuja and led by a Director-General appointed by the President.
The Core Functions of the DSS
The DSS focuses on:
- Internal Security: Monitoring and countering threats like terrorism, insurgency, and political violence.
- Counter-Intelligence: Protecting Nigeria from espionage by foreign entities.
- Counter-Terrorism: Identifying and dismantling terrorist networks.
- Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering: Conducting covert operations to gather intelligence
- Protection of Government Officials: Providing security for key figures, including the President and state governors.
- Crisis Management and Response: Managing and responding to security crises.
- Investigations: Probing activities that threaten national security.
- Arrests and Detentions: Detaining suspects, has led to debates over due process
- Interagency Collaboration: Working with other Nigerian and international security agencies.
- Human Rights: Allegations of arbitrary arrests and prolonged detention.
- Political Neutrality: Concerns over potential political use against opposition figures.
- Accountability: Efforts to enhance oversight and ensure lawful operations.
- Capacity Building: investments in training, technology, and international cooperation.
The DSS is vital to Nigeria’s security, aiming to protect the country from internal threats while addressing challenges and improving operations to maintain effectiveness and public trust.
The DSS Is Advising Nigerian Youths to Exercise Patience with the Government
The DSS is trending because, predictably, they described the protest in a tweet as a civilian coup.
Asserting that the nation is not experiencing economic distress. However, they are encouraging young people to exercise patience with the government.
Individuals Are Attempting To Sabotage the Demonstration
Additionally, the DSS claims to have recognized the individuals attempting to sabotage the demonstration and to have denounced it as a political demonstration to overthrow the president.
Furthermore, they have “identified” the individuals and/or groups financing the scheduled protests. They also won’t be acting in a hurry just now. However, there have reportedly been at least three arrests in the last week, according to sources in the media. According to reports, Khalid was detained in Kaduna today.
They urged leaders in the industry, labor unions, student associations, youth organizations, clergy, non-governmental organizations, women’s groups, civil societies, and politicians to turn down any request to participate in the demonstration, and pleaded with parents, religious authorities, and traditional leaders to counsel their followers against participating in any form of protest.
Nigerians Question the Integrity of the DSS
Why aren’t they pursuing people who they know intend to disturb the nonviolent demonstration? Nigerians are also wondering why they are unable to carry out their duties and safeguard the peaceful demonstration, which is supported by the constitution.
The DSS is Nigeria’s main domestic intelligence organization. Its main duties include gathering intelligence domestically and protecting high-ranking government officials, especially the president and state governors.
