The Department of State Services (DSS) has accused popular writer, Olusegun Adeniyi of misrepresenting the service to the public.
The DSS also called on members of the public to disregard allegations levelled against them by the writer in an opinion article titled “Beyond Abba Kyari’s Indictment.”
Naija News understands Adeniyi had in the article, claimed that several innocent Nigerians were being held captive unlawfully in various DSS detention facilities across the country.
He also accused them of making themselves willing tools in the hands of the high and mighty in the society.
But the secret police in a statement on Thursday signed by its spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya said there is no truth in the claims by the writer.
The statement accused Adeniyi of misleading, inciting, denigrating, demeaning, and misinforming with his article and urged him to withdraw it.
The denial by the DSS reads: “Dear Mr Olusegun Adeniyi, without efforts to join issues with you on an opinion expressed by you in your article of 5th August, 2021 on the above subject matter, the SSS takes exceptions to the part that states that “Hundreds of innocent citizens are currently languishing in Police and State Security Services (SSS) detention centres across the country, following arrests ordered by powerful men and women”.
“This is not true. I do not speak for the Police but it is certain that no Nigerian or anyone for that matter is in the SSS/DSS custody on the order(s) of private citizens or persons.”
“The SSS has an SOP on the criminal justice administration.”
“The media owes a duty, propelled by good conscience and common good, to guide public narratives about some government agencies and their sacrifices to uphold security, peace and unity of this nation, Nigeria. The SSS should not be run down given the slightest opportunity.”
“You had been at the commanding heights of governance and national security administration and management to understand issues so as not to misinform the public. It is unacceptable for a respectable columnist of your experience and status to make a sweeping statement like the one herein.”
“It is misleading, inciting, denigrating, demeaning, misinforming and should be withdrawn. The SSS and indeed security agencies, if not praised, should be supported. The Organisation may not be perfect but it is doing so much for the Country. It respects and loves the citizens and residents and strives to serve them based on best practices, rule of law/engagement and a balance between rights and national security.”
“Thank you Sir as you correct this erroneous impression created about the Service. I remain your partner in progress and service to fatherland.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has explained why it stopped negotiations with bandits and Boko Haram insurgents over the abduction of students.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, said the bandits and insurgents used funds raised from ransoms to re-arm themselves.
Nwajiuba asserted that paying bandits and Boko Haram insurgents will give them the opportunity to buy arms and ammunition, thereby escalating insecurity in the country.
This article was originally published on Nigeria News