…Insists impostors conducted search at ex-VP Sambo’s residence
From: Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Department of State Services (DSS) has expressed concerns over the increasing number of impostors disguising as security agents to engage in illegal security operations.
In a release signed by the service spokesperson, Tony Opuiyo, the DSS said that they had equally crafted the act of mimicking the Service’s operational tactics by using its symbols and paraphernalia especially operational dress codes.
The Service cited instance of the search conducted at the Kaduna residents of former Vice President Namadi Sambo and the one executed at No.165, Ademola Adetokunbo, Wuse II, Abuja, belonging to Sahara Energy Company, alleging that the impostors were behind the searches being conducted.
While urging the public to be cautious of the fact that not every operative in black uniforms are its personnel, it, however, promised to crackdown on the impostors and update the public of their activities.
According to the statement; “The 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.
“These impersonators, in some instances, try to mimic the Service’s operational tactics by using its symbols and paraphernalia especially operational dress codes. “The aim, according to information available to the Service, is to accord semblance of legitimacy to their operations and as well leave impressions that the DSS was, in fact, involved. An instance was the recent search which the DSS was falsely accused to have carried out at the Kaduna residence of the former Vice President,
“His Excellency, Namadi Sambo. Another was the one executed at No.165, Ademola Adetokunbo, Wuse II, Abuja, belonging to Sahara Energy Company.
“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.
“Persons and groups, with useful information about suspected illegal operations in any part of the country, are encouraged to avail same to the Service for prompt action,” the statement said.