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Tag: DSS

  • DSS nabs ‘wanted kidnappers’ at Abuja, Sokoto Hajj camps

    DSS nabs ‘wanted kidnappers’ at Abuja, Sokoto Hajj camps

    Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested two high-profile kidnap suspects, Yahaya Yakubu and Sani Aliyu, while they attempted to travel for the holy pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

    The arrests were made on Sunday in a coordinated operation at the Hajj camps in Abuja and Sokoto, respectively.

    A DSS source revealed that the suspects had been under surveillance for over a year before their eventual apprehension by eagle-eyed operatives.

    The source said the ongoing screening at Hajj camps across the country offered the DSS the opportunity to arrest the suspects, adding that both suspects were recognized at the point of screening by the operatives.

    Galadi, the source said, has been moved to the service’s headquarters in Abuja from Sokoto.

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    Sharing details of the arrest, the source said that Yakubu a resident of Paikon-Kore village in Gwagwalada, FCT, was arrested at the Abuja Hajj camp while Aliyu was nabbed nearly 750 kilometres away, at the Sokoto Hajj camp.

    Security sources said Yakubu and Aliyu alias Mai Boxer, both suspected to be responsible for attacks by bandits in the Sokoto-Zamfara axis, did not know that the DSS officers were still on their trail.

    A source said that Yakubu presented his passport alongside other Muslim travellers from Abuja who were on their way to observe this year’s hajj.

    “It was this afternoon during the screening at the hajj camp in the airport that the DSS operatives apprehended him and whisked him away,” he said.

    An official at the Muslim pilgrims welfare board, who didn’t want his name mentioned, also confirmed the arrest of the suspect.

  • DSS, Pat Utomi and misplaced priorities

    DSS, Pat Utomi and misplaced priorities

    In a nation facing serious existential threats one is forced to wonder or throw my arms into the air in exhilaration over the intention by the Department of State Security Services, DSS to sue Professor Pat Utomi following the latter’s announcement of the formation of a shadow government. This disproportionate focus on Utomi’s political activities reveals a concerning misallocation of security resources when far more serious threats to national security demand urgent attention.

    This is not the first time Professor Utomi has formed such an alternative political structure. Shortly after President Umaru Yar’Adua took office in 2007, Utomi established a similar shadow cabinet. That effort, despite initial media attention, gradually faded away without posing any threat to Nigeria’s democratic institutions or national security. It served primarily as an intellectual exercise and a platform for policy critique—exactly what shadow governments are meant to do in functional democracies.

    Shadow governments, or shadow cabinets as they are sometimes called, represent a legitimate democratic tradition in many mature democracies. In the United Kingdom, for instance, the opposition party forms an official shadow cabinet that scrutinizes government policies and presents alternatives. These structures strengthen, rather than undermine, democratic governance by ensuring robust policy debates and accountability.

    Professor Utomi’s initiative should be viewed through this lens—as an attempt to deepen Nigeria’s democratic culture rather than subvert it. His shadow government aims to offer alternative policy perspectives and hold the current administration accountable, functions that are essential to democratic health.

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    I know the man in question, as a student of the Great University of Benin, he encouraged my activities in student unionism, not once did he ever tinker or talk about violence as a means for rescuing our nation, Professor Utomi has long established himself as Nigeria’s political iconoclast—a man willing to challenge orthodoxy and propose alternative visions for national development. His decades-long career as an economist, political scientist, entrepreneur, and public intellectual demonstrates a consistent commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

    Like America’s Patrick Moynihan, who served as both scholar and statesman, Utomi combines academic rigor with political engagement. Moynihan was known for his willingness to speak uncomfortable truths about social problems while offering thoughtful policy solutions. Similarly, Utomi has never shied away from diagnosing Nigeria’s ailments, even when his prescriptions challenge powerful interests.

    In the mold of Bernie Sanders, Utomi represents a persistent voice for systemic change and greater equity. Just as Sanders has spent decades advocating for economic justice in America’s political wilderness before his ideas gained mainstream traction, Utomi has consistently championed institutional reforms and social justice in Nigeria, often ahead of popular opinion.

    While security agencies focus on Utomi’s utopian like political activities, Nigeria faces genuine existential threats that demand urgent attention. Widespread insecurity manifests in multiple forms with Boko Haram and banditry doing a tag team in the NorthEast and NorthWest, in the SouthEast and South South kidnapping for ransom and militancy are ravaging these regions while killer gangs are leaving hundreds dead in their homelands in Benue and Plateau, areas which had in the not too far past had been abodes of peace.

    These threats represent clear and present dangers to Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and citizens’ welfare. Rather than square off with these challenges and for once deal with the perpetrators behind these monsters, the DSS feels it would better serve the nation by redirecting resources toward addressing these genuine security challenges and  monitor or rather attempt to bully the activities of intellectuals engaged in a form of political discourse.

    Far from silencing voices like Utomi’s, the Tinubu administration would benefit from engaging substantively with the ideas and critiques offered by his shadow government. The current economic challenges facing Nigeria—including inflation, unemployment, and currency instability—require diverse perspectives and innovative solutions.

    Professor Utomi brings decades of experience in economic management, entrepreneurship, and public policy to the table. His expertise could complement government efforts to address these challenges if the administration were to adopt a more inclusive approach to governance.

    Democracies mature when they embrace, rather than suppress, the opposition. The United States, United Kingdom, and other established democracies have institutionalized mechanisms for opposition voices to contribute to governance through shadow cabinets, congressional oversight, and robust public debate.

    Nigeria’s democratic journey remains incomplete without similar institutional frameworks for constructive opposition. The DSS’s reaction to Utomi’s shadow government suggests a concerning intolerance for political dissent that undermines democratic consolidation.

    I would rather urge the Tinubu administration to engage substantively with policy proposals from Utomi’s group, even if it chooses for constitutional reasons not to recognise it, this  way, this administration can show Nigerians that it is also not docile and desires to move the nation forward. By doing such we would have strengthened our

    democratic norms by showing that it is an administration that can tolerate and even encourage constructive criticism

    Pat Utomi’s shadow government represents an opportunity,not a threat, for Nigeria’s democracy. His track record demonstrates a genuine commitment to national development rather than personal aggrandizement or destabilization. The DSS’s focus on his activities reflects a misunderstanding of his intentions and a misallocation of security resources.

    In mature democracies, figures like Utomi are valued for their contribution to public discourse and policy development. Nigeria would be well-served by embracing such voices rather than treating them with suspicion. The Tinubu administration has an opportunity to demonstrate democratic confidence by engaging with, rather than marginalizing, Utomi’s shadow government.

    Nigeria’s security challenges are real and pressing. Let the DSS focus our national security apparatus on addressing genuine threats while creating space for the intellectual and political opposition that strengthens rather than weakens our democracy. Pat Utomi deserves to be heard, not hounded.

  • DSS sues ex-presidential candidate, Pat Utomi, over shadow government plan

    DSS sues ex-presidential candidate, Pat Utomi, over shadow government plan

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has sued the 2007 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Patrick Okedinachi Utomi (also known as Prof. Pat Utomi) over his announced plan to establish a shadow government in the country.

    In the suit filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, with Utomi as sole defendant, and marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, the plaintiff is contending that the move by Utomi was intended to create chaos and destabilise the country.

    The DSS, in the suit filed by a team of lawyers, led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), argued that, not only is the planned shadow government an aberration, it also constitutes a grave attack on the Constitution and a threat to the democratically elected government that is currently in place.

    It expressed concern that such a structure, styled as a ‘shadow government,’ if left unchecked, may incite political unrest, cause intergroup tensions, and embolden other unlawful actors or separatist entities to replicate similar parallel arrangements, all of which pose a grave threat to national security.”

    The plaintiff wants the court to declare the purported “shadow government” or “shadow cabinet” being planned by Utomi and his associates as “unconstitutional and amounts to an attempt to create a parallel authority not recognised by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

    The DSS is also seeking a declaration that “under Sections 1(1), 1(2) and 14(2)(a) of the Constitution, the establishment or operation of any governmental authority or structure outside the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is unconstitutional, null, and void.”

    The plaintiff wants the court to issue an order of perpetual injunction, restraining Utomi, his agents and associates “from further taking any steps towards the establishment or operation of a ‘shadow government,’ ‘shadow cabinet’ or any similar entity not recognized by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

    Among the grounds on which the plaintiff is hinging its prayers is that Section 1(1) of the Constitution declares its supremacy and binding force on all persons and authorities in Nigeria.

    It added that Section 1(2) prohibits the governance of Nigeria or any part thereof except in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

    According to the DSS, Section 14(2Xa) states that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, from whom government through the Constitution derives all its powers and authority.

    It is contended that Utomi’s proposed shadow government lacks constitutional recognition and authority, thereby contravening the aforementioned provisions.

    The plaintiff further stated, in a supporting affidavit, that it is the principal domestic intelligence and security agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, statutorily mandated to detect and prevent threats to the internal security of Nigeria, including subversive activities capable of undermining national unity, peace, and constitutional order.

    The DSS added that it is statutorily empowered to safeguard the internal security of Nigeria and prevent any threats to the lawful authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its constituent institutions.

    It states that it has monitored, “through intelligence reports and open source material, public statements and interviews granted by the defendant, Professor Patrick Utomi, in which he announced the purported establishment of what he termed a ‘shadow government’ or ‘shadow cabinet,’ comprising of several persons that make up its ‘Minister.’

    “The ‘shadow government’ or ‘shadow cabinet’ is an unregistered and unrecognised body claiming to operate as an alternative government. Contrary to the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

    “The defendant (Utomi), through public statements, social media, and other platforms, has announced the formation of this body with the intent to challenge the legitimacy of the democratically elected government of Nigeria.

    “While inaugurating the ‘shadow cabinet’, the defendant stated that it is made up of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio to be manned by Dele Farotimi; the policy Delivery Unit team consisting of Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga; and the council of economic advisers.

    “Based on the intelligence gathered by the plaintiff, the activities and statements made by the defendant and his associates are capable of misleading segments of the Nigerian public, weakening confidence in the legitimacy of the elected government, and fuelling public disaffection,” it said.

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    The DSS further states that it is particularly, concerned that such a structure, styled as a ‘shadow government,’ if left unchecked, may incite political unrest, cause intergroup tensions, and embolden other unlawful actors or separatist entities to replicate similar parallel arrangements, all of which pose a grave threat to national security.

    “The plaintiff, in the discharge of its statutory duties, has gathered intelligence confirming that the defendant’s actions pose a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

    “The defendant’s actions amount to an attempt to usurp or mimic executive authority, contrary to sections 1(1), 1 (2), and 14(2Xa) of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended), which exclusively vests governance in institutions duly created under the constitution and through democratic elections.

    “The Federal Government of Nigeria has made several efforts to engage the defendant to dissuade him from this unconstitutional path, including statements made by the Minister of Information, but the defendant has remained defiant.

    “It is in the interest of justice, national security, and the rule of law for this honourable court to declare the existence and operations of the defendant unconstitutional and illegal,” it said.

    The suit filed on May 13 has yet to be assigned to any judge for hearing. 

  • Alleged N5.5b suit: DSS faults SERAP’s claim

    Alleged N5.5b suit: DSS faults SERAP’s claim

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has faulted a claim by the Socio-Economic and Accountability Project (SERAP) that officials of the secret police invaded the organisation’s Abuja office.

    The DSS said the allegation portrayed its personnel in a bad light, like a government agency that engages in illegal operations.

    A senior official of the DSS, John Afolabi, said this while testifying yesterday before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama at the resumed hearing in the suit filed by two personnel of the secret police – Sarah John and Gabriel Ogunleye.

    The suit, filed for the DSS officials by their lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), has SERAP and its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, as defendants.

    John and Ogunleye are claiming, among others, N5 billion in damages and N50 million as cost of the suit, and are demanding a public apology to be published in several media platforms.

    Afolabi, who featured yesterday as the second claimants’ witness, adopted his written statement on oath as his evidence in the case and urged the court to grant the reliefs sought by the claimants.

    Under cross-examination by lawyer to SERAP, Devine Oguru, the witness said contrary to the impression created by the report put out by SERAP, John and Ogunleye paid a routine visitation to the organisation’s office but did not engage in any invasion.

    Afolabi said he was not present when the DSS officials visited SERAP’s office on September 9, 2024, but got to know about the incident through the media and investigation he conducted.

    He said: “I was not in SERAP’s office on September 9, 2024 when the claimants visited there. I have never been there (SERAP’s office). Since I was not there, I cannot tell what happened there on that day.

    “But the information on the social media and regular media about the allegations levelled against the claimants by the defendants and my investigation of the matter, gave me full insight into what transpired in SERAP’s office that day,” the witness said.

    Afolabi, who described himself as a Director in the Investigation Directorate of the DSS, said the claimants and himself are competent, disciplined and professional officers of the outfit.

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    He added that they remained disciplined, competent and professional in the discharge of their duties.

    The witness said not only did the allegations by SERAP cast the claimants in a bad light but their employer (the DSS) got embarrassed by the allegations because of people’s comments, and consequently ordered investigation into the conduct of the officers.

    According to the witness, as a result of the defendant’s false allegations, the claimants are currently the subject of an ongoing investigation by the DSS.

    Afolabi said John and Ogunleye had been made to make statements, subjected to interrogations, faced a disciplinary panel and now suspended from the service pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

    Under cross-examination by Oluwadare’s counsel, Oluwatosin Adesioye, the witness said the claimants, who are attached to the NGOs Table within the Investigation Directorate of the DSS, acted under the authority of their supervisor to embark on the visitation to SERAP’s office on September 9, 2024.

    Justice Yusuf Halilu adjourned till June 30 for the commencement of defence.

  • N5.5b suit: SERAP’s false allegations cast our officials in bad light – DSS tells court

    N5.5b suit: SERAP’s false allegations cast our officials in bad light – DSS tells court

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has said the false claim by the Socio-Economic and Accountability Project (SERAP) that its officials invaded its (SERAP’s) Abuja office cast the affected personnel in bad light, portraying them as engaging in illegal operation.

    A senior official of the DSS, John Afolabi said this while testifying on Thursday before a HIgh Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, at the resumed hearing in the suit by two personnel of the DSS – Sarah John and Gabriel Ogunleye

    The suit marked: CV/4547/2024 filed for the DSS officials by their lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), has SERAP and its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare as defendants.

    John and Ogunleye are claiming among others, N5billion in damages, N50million as cost of the suit and public apology to be published in several media platforms.

    On Thursday, Afolabi, who featured as the second claimants’ witness, adopted his written statement on oath as his evidence in the case and urged the court to grant the reliefs sought by the claimants.

    Under cross examination by lawyer to SERAP, Devine Oguru, the witness said contrary to the impression created by the report put out by SERAP, John and Ogunleye paid a routine visitation to the organisation’s office and did not engage in any invasion.

    Afolabi said he was not present when the DSS officials visited SERAP’s office on September 9, 2024, but got to know about the incid not trough the media and investigation he conducted.

    He said, “I was not in SERAP’s office on September 9, 2024 when the claimants visited there. I have never been there (SERAP’s). Since I was not there, I cannot tell what happened there on that day.

    “But, the information on the social media and regular media about the allegations levelled against the claimants by the defendants and my investigation of the matter, gave me full insight into what transpired in SERAP’s office that day,” the witness said.

    Afolabi, who said he is a Director in DSS’s Investigation Directorate, said the claimants and himself are competent, disciplined and professional officers of the DSS, adding that they remained disciplined, competent and professional in the discharge of their duties.

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    The witness said, not only did the allegations by SERAP cast the claimants in bad light, their employer (the DSS) got embarrassed by the allegations, because of people’s comments, and consequently ordered investigation into the conduct of the officers.

    He added that as a result of the defendant’s false allegations, the claimants are currently the subject of an ongoing investigation by the DSS.

    Afolabi said John and Ogunleye had been made to make statements, subjected to interrogations, faced a disciplinary panel and now suspended from the service pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

    Under cross examination by lawyer to Oluwadare, Oluwatosin Adesioye, the witness said the claimants, who are attached to the NGOs Table within the Investigation Directorate of the DSS, acted under the authority of their supervisor to make the visitation they made to SERAP’s office on September 9, 2024.

    The witness said he was in court to testify under the instruction of the DSS’ management, adding that the allegations by SERAP were against the claimants and the service (DSS).

    He added, “My concern was about my personnel (the claimants) against whom the allegations were made and which allegations lowered my estimation of them.”

    Afolabi said while he was investigating the case, the defendants were invited, “but they failed to show up.”

    The witness said the reports and allegations portrayed the claimants as engaging in illegal operations, adding that John and Ogunleye “did not carry out any operation in SERAP’s office on the 9th of September, but they only did invitation.”

    At the conclusion of Adesioye’s cross examination of the witness, O. S. Kehinde, who conducted the the day’s proceedings on behalf of the claimants, announced the closure of his clients’ case.

    Justice Yusuf Halilu subsequently adjourned till June 30 for the commencement of defence.

  • DSS, Police, EFCC arrest VeryDarkMan in joint operation

    DSS, Police, EFCC arrest VeryDarkMan in joint operation

    • Protesters demand Tik-Toker’s release

    Fresh facts emerged yesterday that a social media activist, Martins Otse ( the VeryDarkMan), was arrested in a joint operation by the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Otse was arrested last Friday at a bank premises in Area 3 Abuja for alleged Cyberstalking.

    He was allegedly molested before he was taken away.

    But the operation has led to a public protest in Abuja.

    A highly-placed security source said: “It was a joint operation by the DSS, the police and the EFCC.

    “There are several petitions against him. After interrogation by the EFCC, the police will do its own and then hand him over to the DSS.

    “VDM has a long journey ahead of him. He is detained based on a warrant from the court.”

    Despite the claim of VDM’s lawyer, Mr. Deji Adeyanju, that his client was in EFCC’s custody, the anti-graft commission denied keeping VDM.

    Spokesperson of EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale, was not available.

    Meanwhile, several youths took to the streets of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday, in protest of the arrest of VeryDarkMan (VDM).

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     The protesters, who were sighted in Wuse, after Berger Bridge, described VDM’s arrest and detention as illegal.

    They vowed to take their grievance to the Nigerian Human Rights Commission in Maitama district of the nation’s capital.

    The youths chanted: “He’s not a thief, Now VDM has blocked the road, Release VDM.”

    The protesters, who carried placards with various inscriptions, converged on the junction leading to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, in Jabi.

     Adeyanju told our correspondent: “This is absolutely unacceptable. Demanding accountability is not a crime.’’

  • Ijaw youths hail DSS on arms seizure, UK Army Major’s arrest

    Ijaw youths hail DSS on arms seizure, UK Army Major’s arrest

    Ijaw Youths Network has commended the Department of State Security Services (DSS) for seizing 57 AK-47s, other rifles and ammunition in Delta State.

     It also said the arrest of a United Kingdom Army major of Itsekiri descent and others in connection with the gun running reinforces public trust and confidence in the nation’s secret service and its commitment to national security.

    Its Coordinator, Frank Ebikabo and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor, in a statement, were reacting to reports of the arrest of an alleged gun runner with 57 AK-47 assault rifles by the DSS near Asaba, Delta State, last week.

    They commended the Director-General of the DSS, Mr Adeola Ajayi, and his men for combining proactiveness with astounding display of professionalism to prevent mindless bloodletting in Warri.

    In a statement, the group said: “We hereby commend the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, and the operatives of the service whose alertness and painstaking investigation led to the arrest of the UK Army Major and the seizure of the arms and ammunition involved.

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    “What the DSS has forestalled is a vile attempt to foist a dangerous regime of inter-ethnic violence on Warri and its environs.

    “We hold the view that the agency deserves commendation as the magnitude of violence and destruction 57 AK-47s in the wrong hands can cause is better imagined.”

    The IYN leadership urged the leadership of the DSS to ensure a holistic investigation of those behind the botched attempt to return Warri to the days of violence because of disenchantment over the INEC ward delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency.

    They urged the DSS to  be consistent with the good work they have done, by bringing to justice  all those involved in the crime, including the UK Army Major.

    The IYN said that disagreements over issues should be resolved through dialogue rather than a resort to ethnic-inspired violence.

    The IYN also called on the British High Commission in Nigeria to treat a petition sent to it on the involvement of the UK military officer with the required sense of urgency.

    Ebikabo and Ebiaridor said it is disheartening that a high ranking military officer could be linked to a failed attempt to stoke an avoidable crisis in Nigeria.

    They urged the UK Government to clarify the status of the said major whose actions have become inimical to the good image of the UK military.

    They urged the inhabitants of the Warri Federal Constituency-the Ijaws, Urhobo and Itsekiri to be wary of people with dangerous and sinister intents to start ethnic violence in the city.

    Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society organizations in Nigeria has called on the British Government to partner with the Federal Government to investigate the activities  of the major arrested over alleged illegal arms procurement intended to exacerbate tensions in Delta State.

    This was contained in a letter addressed to the British High Commissioner in Nigeria dated April 28.

    The CSOs alleged that the major’s action was a threat to Nigeria’s internal security.

    The letter was signed by Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, Leader of the coalition; Zekeri Momoh-Saliu, Secretary and others.

    Some of the members of the coalition are the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, Coalition for Democratic Watchdogs, Initiative for Voter Awareness and Electoral Reforms, and the Global Centre for Conscience Living Against Corruption.

    There has been tension following the delineation of wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

    This had thrown up suspicion that the arms were procured by those opposed to the exercise.

  • DSS arrest British Army officer, others

    DSS arrest British Army officer, others

    • Seizes 57 AK 47, six pump action, ammunition

    Amajor in the British Army (name withheld) and his accomplices have been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with the smuggling into the country of over 50 AK 47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition, The Nation has learnt.

    It was gathered that the suspects were picked up in Lagos and Asaba, Delta State Capital.

    The Nation gathered that the British army officer, who is of Itsekiri descent, allegedly procured the weapons at the behest of one Collins.

    Multiple sources in the agency confirmed over the weekend that the prime suspect, a Major in the British Army, and several of his associates connected with the illegal arms supply have been detained.

    The British army officer was reportedly intercepted in Lagos as he attempted to cross Nigeria’s border en route to the United Kingdom, while his associates were apprehended in Asaba.

    A source said: ‘’An Itsekiri serving in the British Army is alleged to have procured weapons and ammunition at the behest of one Collins to instigate unrest in Warri.

    “During a covert exchange near Asaba in Delta State, operatives from the DSS Delta Command apprehended the arms supplier and several associates, seizing over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition.

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    ‘’Shortly thereafter, DSS agents in Lagos intercepted the British Major  as he tried to cross Nigeria’s border en route to the United Kingdom.

    “All suspects are now in DSS custody. The DSS will carry out a full and transparent investigation and hold anyone found plotting tribal conflicts to account.’’

    The Nation gathered that the arms were procured by those allegedly opposed to the delineation of wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency.

    A traditional ruler is also being discreetly investigated in connection with the matter, it was learnt.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier presented the report on the delineation of wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency to the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities.

    The INEC chairman’s representative, State Resident Electoral Commissioner Etekamba Umoren, at the presentation held in Asaba, the Delta State capital, said that the fresh ward and polling unit delineation fieldwork was prompted by the Supreme Court judgment of December 22, 2022, which ordered it to conduct the exercise.

    Copies of the delineation report were received by Chief Victor Okumagba, Dr. Andrew Igban and Dr Joe Bisina on behalf of the Urhobo, Itsekiri and Ijaw ethnic nationalities, respectively.

    In his address during the meeting, the INEC chairman noted that the meeting was the fifth engagement with the stakeholders since the apex court verdict, which mandated the Commission to carry out the exercise in the three local government areas in the Warri federal constituency.

    He urged the stakeholders to study the report and respond to it appropriately, as the commission was ready to adopt the report as a working document in line with the Supreme Court directive.

    However, the planned delineation has stoked tension in the state, with some groups and stakeholders opposed to the exercise.

    Recently, scores of Ijaw youths marched to the INEC headquarters in Abuja in support of the exercise.

    Drawn from the Gbaramatu, Egbema, Diebiri and Isaba communities, they said the INEC delineation exercise was fair and in line with the Supreme Court judgment.

    They commended INEC for what they called a transparent process, which they said marked the end of years of political marginalisation of the Ijaw people in the constituency.

    It will be recalled also that following the unveiling of the report, the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT), at a press briefing in Asaba, Delta State capital, denounced the proposed delineation of wards and polling units by INEC, adding that if the proposed delineation is implemented, it will mark the end of Itsekiri nation politically.

    The group’s scribe, Sir Amorighoye Mene, said the Itsekiri ethnic nationality will seek legal redress, describing INEC’s actions as anti-Itsekiri.

    Reacting, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT) said the discovery, if true, has nothing to do with the proposed delineation exercise.

    Its scribe, Sir Amorighoye Mene, who spoke in a telephone interview said: “I can tell you that if this discovery is true, it has nothing to do with the proposed delineation.

    “More so, we have met with the National Security Adviser who has assured that government is seriously looking into the matter. So on our own part, there is no anxiety.

    “Even our youths, who on the spur of the moment took over some oil facilities, have all been asked to withdraw and they have indeed withdrawn.

    “Peace has returned. We are not preparing for any confrontation or struggle, certainly not under President Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    “The President has assured that his administration will address the injustice that has been perpetrated against the Itsekiri nation.

    “We keep urging our people to remain peaceful. I repeat, the discovery of arms has nothing to do with the delineation.

    “It has not come to that.”

  • Don’t sabotage war on terrorism, NEYGA warns, lauds DSS

    Don’t sabotage war on terrorism, NEYGA warns, lauds DSS

    The Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) has cautioned against actions that could undermine Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, expressing concern over what it described as an emerging campaign to discredit the Department of State Services (DSS) and weaken public confidence in the agency.

    In a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja, NEYGA spokesperson Ibrahim Dan-Musa commended the DSS for its vital role in ensuring national stability and combating banditry and terrorism.

    Dan-Musa dismissed recent reports allegedly from unidentified local hunters accusing DSS operatives of misusing advanced telephone tracking technology, describing them as baseless and part of a smear campaign.

    “The reports claimed that the technology, meant to aid in the rescue of kidnap victims, was instead being used by some operatives to extort money from criminals in exchange for concealing their locations.

    “While we do not, and certainly cannot, speak officially for the DSS, we must state without fear of contradiction that such stories were fabricated to tarnish the agency’s image.

    “We are not surprised that this falsehood is being spread by the same self-styled activist who falsely accused the DSS of abducting civil rights activist, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, to serve certain political interests. Comrade Austin has since disowned the said activist and publicly apologized for his unfounded allegations against the northern governor.”

    The group also recalled how the same “activist,” in a viral video, falsely accused the DSS of invading the Federal High Court on the day the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned former Governor Yahaya Bello.

    “It turned out that no DSS operative was anywhere near the court on the said day,” the group pointed out.

    “We cannot thank President Bola Tinubu enough for appointing a thoroughbred professional like Mr. Tosin Ajayi as Director General of the DSS. From the agency’s remarkable exploits since Ajayi assumed office, we are proud to say that President Tinubu made an excellent choice.

    “We in the North are particularly pleased with the relentless efforts of the DSS to make the North and the rest of Nigeria safer. Very recently, Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa publicly praised the DSS—not only for seizing large caches of arms and arresting or neutralizing scores of bandits and kidnappers, but also for securing the release of kidnapped Roman Catholic priests,” the group said.

    “All of these achievements poke holes in the tissue of lies being peddled by the self-styled activist,” it stressed.

    The group further highlighted an incident from 2018, when a court awarded ₦10 million in damages against the DSS over the 2016 accidental shooting in Bauchi of a businessman originally from Sokoto. 

    “No Director General agreed to pay the compensation until Tosin Ajayi came into office. Not only did he pay the ₦10 million, he doubled the amount. Nothing could be more humane. We deeply commend DG Ajayi for that,” the group said.

    Read Also: Security expert backs DSS boss on community-based security

    NEYGA also recalled recent public apologies issued by several media outlets for falsely reporting that the DSS stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly. 

    “The DSS’s acceptance of the apologies and decision to drop charges against the media houses is a sign of civility by the secret police, which we wholeheartedly commend,” the group added.

    “We had imagined that, as a serial contestant for the office of President, this activist would be more circumspect, lie less, and demonstrate greater patriotism in the way he speaks about Nigeria—especially if, by some chance, he ends up occupying the nation’s highest office one day. Sadly, that has not been the case,” NEYGA said.

    “We commend the maturity of the DSS leadership for enduring the barrage of lies constantly thrown at it by these so-called activists. Nigerians have seen through their antics and know they do not mean well for our beloved country.

    “We urge the DSS not to be distracted by these merchants of falsehood and to remain steadfast on the path of making Nigeria safer,” the group said.

  • Security expert backs DSS boss on community-based security

    Security expert backs DSS boss on community-based security

    An Internal Security Analyst, Ahmed Isa has backed the call by the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi for community-based security.

    Isa said  Ajayi’s position is in sync with global best practices. 

    He argued in a statement yesterday that it was wrong to fault the suggestion made recently by the DSS boss  at a security conference when countries like the United States   still have federal security agencies but have community-based policing as complementary.’’  

     Isa said: ‘’You do not expect the Nigerian Army, police and the SSS to protect every Nigerian. 

      ‘’Mr. Ajayi is pushing for a more inclusive, modern, and adaptive security paradigm and not a jungle-justice type of security architecture. The DSS’s boss’s comment doesn’t signal despair but a genuine strategy that builds resilience from the locals.

    “The idea that communities should be involved in their security is not a radical dereliction of duty—it is consistent with successful models around the world. 

    Read Also: The Nation petitions IGP, DSS DG

    “For instance, countries like the United States of America still have Federal Security Agencies but have community-based policing as complementary. So why won’t Nigeria have neighbourhood watches, local vigilante groups, and community-police partnerships that would work in villages, given that they have better knowledge of their terrain? 

    “What Mr. Ajayi is proposing, is not arming civilians with sticks, but equipping communities with the intelligence, awareness, coordination, and legal backing to play a proactive role. Even in instances where communities possess some level of ammunition, guidance, profiling and authorisation are key.”

    “Subjects in criticism are either ignorant of the proposed approach or are on hidden sinister vendetta against the intelligence service and are leveraging a simple patriotic alarm, to wrongly suggest that the DSS chief wants to offload the government’s constitutional duty. Forgetting to add that he also explicitly called for collaboration: for elites to engage their communities and partner with security agencies.’’