The Nation Newspaper

Tag: DSS

  • FG to involve EFCC, DSS in prosecution of pipeline vandals

    FG to involve EFCC, DSS in prosecution of pipeline vandals

    The Managing Director, Petroleum Products and Marketing Company (PPMC), Mrs Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue, says the Federal Government will involve some security agencies in prosecuting pipeline vandals.

    Ogbue disclosed this on Sunday during a visit to Mosinmi Depot and Ajebo pipeline in Obafemi Owode local government area of Ogun.

    She listed the security agencies to be involved as the Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Ogbue said that the involvement of these agencies would facilitate the prosecution of the vandals at the courts of competent jurisdiction.

    “We are looking at all ramifications on how to bring these criminals to book; they have to be treated as criminals and pipeline products thieves.

    “The pipelines are the most efficient way of moving products and then for the first time in a very long time we are pushing products all the way to Ibadan.

    “We intend to move to Ilorin, reduce bridging from Lagos area so that people can go and pick up their products in Ibadan and Ilorin,” Ogbue said.

    She expressed optimism that partnership with EFCC, DSS, Police and host communities would yield positive results and the culprits would soon face the full wrath of the law.

    Ogbue said that federal government would start deploying trackers on trucks carrying fuel from its depots to filling stations across the country to check diversion of the product.

    The PPMC boss explained that with the trackers government would be able to monitor the movement of trucks vis- a-vis their destinations.

    Ogbue lamented that fuel diversion was a serious problem with undesirable consequences on the economy.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the federal government operates 22 depots nationwide, including Atlas Cove, which is located in Lagos.

  • Court orders DSS to release Kanu

    Court orders DSS to release Kanu

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday ordered the Department of State Service to release a pro-Biafra leader, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu,‎ from its custody.

    Justice Adeniyi Ademola while ruling on a bail application filed by Kanu held that his continued detention without any pending charges against him is contrary to the provisions of section 35(4) of the Constitution.

    He also set aside last month’s order, permitting the DSS to keep Kanu in its custody for 90 days.

    The judge ruled that Kanu’s continued detention for over two months showed that the DSS lacked‎ sufficient material to prosecute the Radio Biafra chief or was still undecided on what to do with him.

     

  • DSS drops charges against Kanu in lower court

    DSS drops charges against Kanu in lower court

    The Magistrate of Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, Shuaibu Usman, on Wednesday discharged the director of Radio Biafra and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on all counts of criminal conspiracy and ownership of an unlawful society filed against him by the Federal Government.

    The judge, who held that government has dropped the charges against Kanu, said, “The accused person is hereby discharged and the case struck out.”

    The federal government through its agent, the Department of State Services (DSS), opted to withdraw the case at the lower court and moved to higher court, which has jurisdiction to handle terrorism related cases.

    Usman was scheduled to deliver judgment on the DSS application on December 1, but put it off until Wednesday.

     

  • N310m robbery: DSS arrests operatives

    N310m robbery: DSS arrests operatives

    •Army detains officer for alleged role
    •N66.4 million, $6,200 recovered

    THE Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the arrest of two of its five operatives over alleged involvement in robbery and sharing of N310 million belonging to a Bureau De Change operator in Abuja.

    In a statement issued by Tony Opuiyo yesterday, the intelligence-gathering organisation said military authorities have also arrested one Captain Hussein Ishaku Mshelia for allegedly leading four other military personnel to participate in the crime.

    DSS said it was conducting further investigation with military authorities to apprehend the three operatives and four military personnel still at large.

    The statement reads: “The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to inform the general public that the service has arrested two out of five of its staff involved in the robbery and sharing, on November 20, of N310 million belonging to a Bureau De Change operator in Abuja.

    “While three of the DSS staff are now at large, the military authorities have commenced a detailed investigation of five of its personnel involved in the crime.

    “Preliminary investigations have revealed that Abdulrasheed Ahmadu Maigari of the DSS conspired with four other colleagues of his namely: Solomon Inusa, Peter Okoye, Patrick Ishaya and George Mwatapwa Ibbi, to carry out this reprehensible act.

    “The five military personnel were led by one Capt. Hussein Ishaku Mshelia.

    “Meanwhile, the service has arrested Maigari and Ibbi; and Mshelia was equally arrested by the Army authorities.

    “Efforts are ongoing to apprehend those still at large. A total of N66,437,445.00 and $6,200 have so far been recovered, while efforts are being made to recover the remaining amounts.”

    The statement added that both the DSS and military authorities were collaborating under the inter-agency cooperation principles outlined few years ago and that they required inputs from the public to succeed.

  • SSS UNCOVERS BOKO HARAM CELLS IN ABUJA

    SSS UNCOVERS BOKO HARAM CELLS IN ABUJA

    The Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday raised a fresh alarm about covert plan by the terror sect, Boko Haram, to unleash mayhem on residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Boko Haram, according to the agency, has “continued to establish and operate sleeper cells whose (sole) mandates are to conduct surveillance and carry out subsequent attacks in the FCT.”

    The DSS cited “the arrests of the sect’s members who migrated from various conflict theatres in the North East to the FCT in order to enable them capitalise on the excitement of the yuletide season to launch attacks in the city.”

    According to the spokesman for the agency, Tony Opuiyo, “For instance, on October 29th the duo of Muhammed Hassan Idris (a Nigerien) and Baba Abdul Maina were arrested at Panteka area of Apo, Abuja. This was followed by the arrest of Sanni Mohammed (aka Kakase) and Ahmed Umaru (aka Mallam; Mallam Hamdi Garne; Ahmed Daubi) in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Sanni, who hails from Potiskum, Yobe State, fled the area following his involvement in coordinated suicide attacks in Yobe, Plateau, Kano and Kaduna states.

    “In a related development, on 19th November 2015, Mohammed Shiwar Abubakar and Musa Ta’ada were arrested at Shoprite Junction, Apo, Abuja. Abubakar hails from Borno State and operates as a taxi driver in Abuja. He is of an unknown address but claims that he sleeps in his Volkswagen Golf car at the Honda line, Apo mechanic village, Abuja. The Gwoza-born Ta’ada also operates under the cover of a suya seller at Apo Primary School along Kabusa Road, Abuja.

    “Still, on 23rd November, 2015, one Ahmed Hassan was arrested while carrying out surveillance on a high-profile hotel in the city. He hails from Katagum, Bauchi State. Suspect admitted using the cover of a beggar to sustain surveillance on his targets. Bulama Ali had previously been arrested in Karu, Nasarawa State, on 22nd November.

    “Similarly, on December 1, Hassan Abubakar and Mohammed Gwale Mohammed were arrested at Madalla, in Suleja LGA of Niger State following intelligence that they were planning to commence attacks in the FCT after a successful surveillance of the city. Before his arrest, Abubakar was working with other sect members in different parts of the country notably Borno, Yobe, Taraba and Adamawa States. Abubakar was arrested in the house of Mohammed Gwale who claims to be a Federal Civil Servant from Niger State. He (Gwale) has made useful statements which are helping with further investigation.

    “So far, preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects and others still at large may have adopted their respective trades as plausible covers to infiltrate the city and its environs in their bid to conduct successful surveillance and map out soft targets for the sect’s attacks. The DSS’ operations are, therefore, aimed at preempting any attacks by the terrorist elements against the backdrop of the upcoming festive period and beyond.

    “It is in this regard that the Service wishes to advise residents and all law abiding Nigerians to remain vigilant especially at this yuletide season and promptly report to security agencies any suspicious movements and persons in the FCT and even other parts of the country. The Service also assures the general public that it will continue to carry out its responsibility of ensuring peace and security in Abuja and beyond.”

    The authorities of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had, a week ago, warned about possible Boko Haram attacks in the territory.

    In the memo the FCT authorities said, “Intelligence reaching this office revealed that insurgents are planning to attack the Federal Capital Territory. Their main targets are worship centres and markets with the use of young girls as members of groups to carry out their planned attacks.

    “It is in view of the foregoing, I am directed to inform you to communicate the content of this letter to all mosques, churches and markets across the FCT for extra-vigilance, particularly unknown persons dressing as aid workers loitering around the worship areas and markets.”

    In the meantime, the Police has made available contact numbers to report any suspicious persons or movement. These are: 09063872207, 09053872208 and 09053872209.

    The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria had also on  Friday said it had  information that groups “associated with terrorism” might be planning attacks against hotels in the country that are frequented by Westerners.

    In a brief message for U.S. citizens, the embassy said it had no further information regarding the timing or method of any planned attacks.

    “The U.S. Mission advises all U.S. citizens to be vigilant when at hotels and around areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers … locations where large crowds may gather; and government facilities,” the statement said.

     

  • DSS operatives eject ex-SSS DG from Lagos home

    Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday invaded the home of a former Director-General of the State Security Services (SSS), Col. Kayode Are (rtd), to eject him.

    The operatives reportedly arrived Are’s 50, Alexander Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos, home at about 8:00am.

    The Nation learnt that the operatives asked Are to vacate the house because it belongs to the Federal Government.

    Subsequently, they forcefully removed Are’s belongings from the house.

    When our correspondent visited the home, armed DSS operatives were seen within the premises.

    They locked the gate and were peeping through a hole at passersby. No one was allowed to come in or go out of the premises.

    When our correspondent asked to see Are, he was asked to go back to avoid being “rough-handled.”

    One of the operatives, who came out of the gate, said: “I advice you to go back. You can’t see Col. Are now. If you stay here they may rough-handle you, so it is better you leave immediately.”

    Our correspondent sited no fewer than four DSS operatives within the compound, all of them armed with automatic rifles.

    Household items were also seen littering the compound before the black gate was hurriedly shut.

    When our correspondent called Are on phone, the ex-SSS DG said he would come out to attend to him.

    However, after several minutes, he did not come out nor answer or return several calls to his phone.

    When he was contacted again at about 7:00pm, Are, who sounded agitated, said he was in a “crisis.”

    He said: “Please, anything you can do, please go ahead and do it.”

    Asked when the DSS men came, he said: “They have been here since eight o’clock in the morning.”

    Asked what reasons the agency gave for ejecting him, Are said: “Please I’m in the middle of a crisis.”

    The DSS is said to have acted despite a subsisting court order restraining it from forcefully ejecting Are, the agency’s longest-serving Director-General, from his Lagos home.

    The Nation gathered that although DSS’ current leadership had asked Are to quit the house, a court had granted him a restraining order against the agency.

  • Arms deals: EFCC takes custody of Dasuki, begins grilling

    Arms deals: EFCC takes custody of Dasuki, begins grilling

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday began the grilling of a former National Security Adviser, Mr. Sambo Dasuki , following his transfer by the Department of State Security Service(DSS).

    There were indications that the anti-graft commission may extend its probe to the seizure of $9million cash-for-arms by South Africa and quiz all those involved in the botched deal.

    An Israeli suspect implicated in the deal was said to have bolted away after throwing a lavish party at his Wuse residence.

    But there was no respite for ex-Governor Attahiru Bafarawa, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi and ex-Minister Bashir Yuguda who were battling for bail on Wednesday.

    The Nation learnt that the EFCC was planning to arraign some of the suspects in court to enable the agency keep more than 22 suspects being interrogated in custody.

     

  • $2b arms deals: DSS arrests Dasuki

    $2b arms deals: DSS arrests Dasuki

    The Department of State Security (DSS) has arrested a former National Security Adviser, Mr. Sambo Dasuki.

    The DSS operatives whisked Dasuki away to its headquarters early Tuesday morning for interrogation in connection with $2billion arms deals.

    The ex-NSA’s arrest came barely 14 hours after a former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda and 20 others were picked up by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with the arms deal.

    Dasuki’s arrest ended a month-long siege and legal ding-dong between him and the DSS.

     

  • DSS seeks collaboration on insurgency

    The Department of State Services, whose job it is to sniff out sources of threat to the nation, has expressed its desire to collaborate with the populace in the fight against terror.

    The Department organised a two-day workshop which featured heads of security agencies and sister organisations, religious bodies, traditional rulers, legislators, heads of government agencies and other stakeholders. About 1000 people attended the event on each of those days.

    Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo said the workshop drove home the message that there is no room for complacency in the war against terror, even as the terrorists have been put on the back foot.

    Dankwambo, represented by his Deputy, Charles Iliya, said there is need for mutual trust between security agencies and the people in order towards sustain the prevailing peace in the state.

    He said there has been an influx of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state, and that the state has witnessed sporadic attacks by the insurgents.

    Initiator of the programme, the State Director of Security (SDS) Mr. Reuben Sina Amao said, “We must not be distracted; we must remain focused because despite successfully carrying out attacks in the past, security agents through collaborative efforts have been able to avert many other planned attacks in the state.”

    The state chief of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Yusuf Ganiyu Mumeen said it has spotted and deported over 600 foreign migrants whose stay suggested something inimical to the security of the state. Those deported were said to have lacked valid papers and had no credible proof of sources of livelihood.

    He also complained about the lack of street names and house numbers in Gombe which makes it difficult to trace addresses of applicants for international passports.

     

  • Boko Haram: Immigration officer sues employer, DSS, AGF

    A senior official of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), accused of supporting the Boko Haram sect, and was detained for 21 days has sued his employer, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) , alleging plot to eliminate him for exposing fraudulent dealings in the NIS.

    Daniel Makolo, a Chief Superintendent of Immigration (CSI), formerly attached to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, said he was arrested and detained with some of his colleagues by the DSS in late 2012 over allegation by his employer, that they aided a terror kingpin, Abdul Rahman, to enter the country.

    Makolo stated in a fundamental rights enforcement suit he filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja, that the allegation was aimed at eliminating him because he had queried some alleged unlawful and fraudulent activities of some senior management personnel of the NIS.