News

The DSS Operates within its Mandate

Published

3 years ago

June 21, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

The DSS Operates within its Mandate

By: Peter Afunanya

Recently, about five major newspapers called out the DSS for bashing of sorts. The papers, which used their platforms to express varied views about the modus operandi of the Service include Vanguard, Daily Trust, The Sun, Tribune and Punch. While Vanguard’s piece on 2nd June 2023 was Dousing the DSS/EFCC Feud, Daily Trust, on 6th June 2023, published an editorial titled The DSS Must Conduct Its Duties as a Secret Service. The Sun, on 7th June, published The Needless DSS/EFCC Fracas while Tribune on 8th June 2023 wrote on The EFCC/DSS Confrontation. Similarly, on 14th June 2023, Punch featured DSS, Others Need Radical Reforms. It did not seem that the editorials which sought the reforms of the DSS or to criticise it for its public statements or actions on various subject matters of national security concern were, by any means, an accident or a coincidence. It looked every inch planted or organised. It is a hatchet job or so it seemed. The judgement that the Service is excessively public or ubiquitous missed the point. The papers manifested predictable bias and patterns.

Relatedly, some respected legal personalities namely, Olisa Agbakoba SAN, Mike Ozekhome SAN and Femi Falana SAN opined that the Service operates outside its mandate especially with regards to the investigation of Godwin Emefiele. The fact that this matter has become sub-judice constrains the Service from making further statements about it. The celebration of the news of a court order to allow his Lawyers and family access to him is quite unnecessary. He was never denied access. Ever since he was taken into custody, his family has continually accessed him. Same with medical officials. The impression that the Service is going to act on the prompting of the Court is not correct. This is by the way.

Back to the subject under discourse. While it may be fair to admit that the news media and aforementioned personalities are entitled to their opinions, measured ignorance predominantly played out in their arguments. First, they failed to recognise that security threats are evolving and so do the approaches to managing them. Instructively, the security landscape in Nigeria, like many other countries, has become increasingly complex and dynamic. The periodic issuance of press statements to educate or carry citizens and residents along has undoubtedly become part of strategies to manage national security challenges. Extensive research would have revealed to the critics that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other world intelligence Services deploy similar tactics including occasional statements and advisories. The CIA includes demographic information on its website to provide the public with valuable insights and data about various populations so to enhance understanding of different regions and communities. Does it mean CIA is operating outside its mandate? Or will that be accepted because it’s CIA, a foreign body?

The need for the agencies to be responsive, transparent and apprise taxpayers has become the global norm in national security and intelligence management. It is called security/intelligence accountability. The tenets of security and intelligence governance expect that agencies remain transparent, accountable and compliant to democracy. World over, Intelligence Services operate in ways and means not too discernable to the uninitiate. But the institutionalisation of democracy as preferred political culture has nonetheless forced such agencies to communicate often with the Public. You can see why the public statements can never be out of place. Without public consciousness and support, countering threats may remain a herculean task for security agencies. Democratic subordination and legislative oversight are basic principles which make it an obligation for these agencies to operate openly even when some of their activities are secret. Ask the USA, UK, France, Canada and other advanced democracies. This level of openness does not vitiate the expected secrecy or in any way compromise their operations.

Regarding the matter concerning the DSS and EFCC, both agencies have refuted claims of a rivalry. It is important to note that comparing the 30th May, 2023 incident at 15 Awolowo Road, Lagos to the barricade of National Assembly in 2018 is inaccurate and unjust due to the substantial differences in the nature and context of the two events. While it is essential to emphasize inter-agency relations and cooperation, it would be unfair to generalise and imply that the Service is in rivalry and power struggle with the Commission. Each agency operates within its distinct mandate and context.

Meanwhile, the editorials accurately alluded to the constitutionality of the DSS as an intelligence organisation in detecting, preventing and neutralising threats against Nigeria. They commended the Service for its commitment to the security of the country as well as the many feats it had accomplished in the course of discharging its duties. Thank you indeed. It has to be understood that the Service is not only an intelligence organisation. It is also a law enforcement agency. It is a security and policy advisory organ. Its establishment law expects it to prevent. To prevent unarguably means to enforce. Should the Service seek media endorsement or permission before deploying operatives and equipment to conduct its job? Should it rather play to the gallery? Characteristic of intelligence operating systems, DSS’ activities may never be completely explained or understood particularly to those who do not need to know.

Even though some of its high officials and operations are known and their veils of secrecy uncovered, there are thousand undercover personnel and actions that have no business going public. It is expected to remain so. With its broad mandate and legal authority to investigate crimes of national security significance, the DSS is well within its rights to initiate an inquiry into any relevant matter. The DSS is primarily charged to detect and prevent crimes and threats against the internal security of Nigeria. More profoundly, it is to undertake such other responsibility as maybe assigned to it by the President and Commander-in-Chief. Appreciating this role of the DSS is instructive for some sections of the media, lawyers and other interested parties. The Service operates on the basis of rule of law. Its operations are rule governed. As required, it obtains arrest and detention warrants when and if needed. For the fact that such instruments are not advertised does not suggest otherwise. Critics should get conversant with the law and rules of engagement and desist from misinforming, misleading or inciting the public. Those seeking to weaken the Service through premeditated reforms may be on a wild goose chase. Consistent attack on it based on ignorance, unrealised interests and emotional assessments and judgements does the country no good. The DSS has stood so firmly for Nigeria. It will continue to.

Considering the warped mentality that has triggered these writeups, it will, no doubt, be unsurprising to witness an upsurge in malicious articles, criticisms and baseless attacks in the public space following the investigations of Messrs Godwin Emefiele and Abdulrasheed Bawa among other flimsy matters. Certain groups and people are bound to come up with frivolous allegations against the Service and its leadership. These entities may also exploit unpatriotic members of the Service to spread falsehoods, propaganda and hate in order to project the Organisation in a bad light. Given their reach and war chest to mobilise forces against Government and its key officials, the adversaries may intend to cause distractions to the on-going investigations as directed by the C-in-C. However, the Service will not depose its professionalism for cheap backlash nor discharge its duty with prejudice or fear.

For those who canvass the opinion that the DSS has no business in investigating the matters referred to it are obviously not taking seriously the omnibus powers of the President, as enshrined in the enabling Acts of the SSS and the NSA. As argued by a onetime Director of the DSS, Fubara Duke, “When a law confers on the President power to delegate ANY assignments he deems fit for a particular Agency to perform, I wonder how it falls outside the purview of (ANY) the stipulations of the President’s powers and by extension why the DSS is being faulted for carrying out the President’s directive”. Continuing, he added: “I have heard arguments of cases being thrown out by the courts over questionable prosecutorial powers of the DSS regarding some categories of cases including criminal cases. Without prejudice to the wisdom of the court on such judgements, they should not override the lawful investigative authority of the DSS. Should there be need for prosecution in due course, these determinations would be appropriately evaluated and where/if necessary, appropriate prosecutorial agencies which may include the Attorney General’s Office or other sister agencies may be deployed to prosecute. It is not the first time this has happened”.

Let it be clear, however, that the DSS will remain unshaken and professional in carrying out its duties. It recommits to diligently operate, as always, within the confines of the law and to uphold the fundamental rights of all Nigerians. The media must, as the fifth estate of the realm, remain balanced, accurate, impartial, and accountable. To sustain a deliberate misguidance of the public with any form of misconceptions is detrimental to nationhood. Therefore, to deepen the expected contributions, seeking veracity is not only ethical but obligatory. That should not be asking for too much.

The DSS Operates within its Mandate

News

APC commits to free, fair primary election in Adamawa

Published

4 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

APC commits to free, fair primary election in Adamawa

The leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa in partnership with the party’s Unity Forum is committed to conducting a free, fair and credible primary election in the state ahead of 2027 general elections.

Mr Abubakar Hamma-Girei, Director General of the Forum stated this at a press conference in Yola.

He said that the forum would ensure that all Party members have an equal opportunity to participate in the process, and that the outcome reflects the will of the party faithful.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and all stakeholders for the remarkable achievement recorded in the country that makes opposition to join the party

“We understand the importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of our members, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that the Primary Election is conducted in a transparent and accountable manner.

“Let me assure you that there will be no imposition of the candidate, and that will be free from any form of manipulation or interference.

“We will uphold the principles of internal Democracy and ensure that the best candidate emerges to fly our Party’s flag in the forthcoming elections”, he said.

The DG urged all party members to participate actively in the primary election and to report any irregularities or concern to the relevance authorities.

“Together we build a stronger more united Party that will deliver for our great nation.

“We are calling on all Nigerians who are passionate about positive change and good governance we invite you to join the All Progress Congress (APC) family”, he said.

According to him,, the ongoing membership revalidation exercise is a unique opportunity for shaping the future of the great nation.

Hamma further said that the forum also resolved to support all APC candidates in the forthcoming Local Government election in the state.

“We are directed to intimate all our members across 21 LGA to give them adequate support they deserve”, he said.

APC commits to free, fair primary election in Adamawa

News

Nigeria, Currently Dealing with Multiple Layers of Disease- Ministry of Health

Published

4 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigeria, Currently Dealing with Multiple Layers of Disease- Ministry of Health

By: Michael Mike

The Ministry of Health has raised the alarm over the changing health challenges in the country, warning that the country is currently dealing with multiple layers of disease at the same time.

Speaking at the official inauguration of the Nuparadigm Health Foundation, which marks a new era of health awareness and n the country, a representative of Ministry of Health, Abraham Emmanuel emphasized the urgent need for prevention, education, and lifestyle interventions to protect public health.

Nuparadigm Health Foundation is a non-governmental organisation committed to raising awareness about non-communicable diseases and the risk factors associated with them. The foundation aims to provide credible health information, educate communities, and encourage healthier lifestyles to prevent the onset of avoidable illnesses.

Emmanuel explained that Nigeria’s health challenges are changing, with the country now dealing with multiple layers of disease at the same time.

He said; “Africa, and Nigeria in particular, is no longer facing only communicable diseases. We are now experiencing a double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and some even describe it as a triple burden when pandemics are included.”

He decried that younger Nigerians are increasingly affected, stating that: “Non-communicable diseases are increasing in Nigeria, and the age limit is dropping. Conditions like hypertension, stroke and type 2 diabetes are now affecting people in their 30s.”

Emmanuel noted that lifestyle is the main risk factor. He said: “These are mainly lifestyle-related diseases, which means they can be managed and prevented through increased awareness and better choices.”

He also highlighted alarming national survey findings, warning that many Nigerians are unaware of the silent health threats around them. “The data from our national survey is alarming. Many Nigerians are developing non-communicable diseases without knowing the risk factors, such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, tobacco use and even second-hand smoke,” he said.

Emmanuel, while lamenting that these risk factors which are often overlooked in daily life, are driving a surge in preventable illnesses, creating a hidden crisis that could overwhelm families and the healthcare system if urgent action is not taken.

On her part, the founder of Nuparadigm Health Foundation, Dr. Omolara Olagunju said her experience as a doctor led her to conclude that hospitals mainly treat disease, while true healthcare lies in daily prevention.

She said: “After about 15 years of medical practice, I realised that we don’t really have healthcare in the true sense. Hospitals are not health care systems; they are more like disease parlours. Real healthcare happens outside the hospital, and you should not have to be sick before you start thinking about how to be healthy.”

She explained that many Nigerians harm their health unknowingly because they lack access to simple, trustworthy information.

Olagunju said: “A lot of people are doing things every day that are damaging to their health, and they don’t even know it. When I tell them, they say, ‘Doctor, I didn’t even know.’ That is why we believe that everyone has a right to essential health information — the kind of information you need to maintain the good health that you already have.”

She also acknowledged the harsh realities of daily life, saying many people sacrifice health in the struggle to survive.

“People tell me they are too busy to come for health checks, and I later realised that their reasons are legitimate. People are trying to make ends meet in Nigeria. But sometimes we are working harder, winning the battle financially, and losing the war because our health is steadily deteriorating in the process.” She noted .

She emphasized that the foundation is designed to take health awareness directly into everyday spaces instead of waiting for hospital visits.

“Instead of waiting for people to come to the hospital, we decided to go to them to their offices, their schools and their social media platforms and share this information as widely as possible, because it may be just one piece of information that makes all the difference.” She said.

She also warned that unhealthy lifestyles learned early are already showing consequences in children.

“We were not born liking sugary drinks; these tastes were learned. Today, I see obese children everywhere, and I ask myself what will happen to these children in 10, 15 or 20 years if we don’t do something drastic now.” She warned .

In his keynote address, Consultant Physician and Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Iseko Iseko said Nigeria invests more in treating illness than in preventing it.

“Over the last two decades in healthcare, most of what we do is secondary prevention treating diseases after they have happened and trying to prevent complications. But primary prevention, which is stopping diseases from happening through education and healthy practices, is where we should be investing more of our energy.” He said

Iseko warned that Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system is under strain from both infectious and lifestyle-related diseases

In his words he said “In Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, we are still dealing with communicable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and HIV, but at the same time we are now seeing increasing cases of heart attacks, strokes and diabetes. This double burden of disease is putting enormous pressure on our healthcare system.”

He described Nigeria’s low life expectancy as a reflection of widespread preventable illness and weak preventive care.

He said: “A lot of Nigerians are dying prematurely, and Nigeria is now among the countries with the lowest life expectancy in the world. This is not because we lack potential, but because we have failed to prioritize preventive health and protect our population from avoidable diseases”.

Iseko stressed that everyday habits are driving diseases that drain families financially and emotionally, noting that:

“Many of the diseases we see today are lifestyle-driven and preventable. Treating heart failure alone can cost over ₦1.85 million every month, and when you look at conditions like stroke and kidney failure, the cost to families is catastrophic. This is why prevention, early detection and lifestyle change are far better than waiting to treat advanced disease.”

He further warned about lifestyle-related risk factors, stating that: “Sitting too much, smoking, unhealthy diets and alcohol are silently destroying our blood vessels. These are preventable causes of heart disease and stroke.”

Iseko emphasized the financial and health benefits of prevention, stressing that: “The average cost of treating heart failure is not less than ₦1.85 million per month. Treatment is expensive, catastrophic, and it is far better to prevent these diseases than to manage them.”

The event brought together healthcare professionals, government officials, and key stakeholders, emphasizing the urgent need for prevention, education, and lifestyle interventions to protect public health.

Nigeria, Currently Dealing with Multiple Layers of Disease- Ministry of Health

News

80-year-old ex-convict arrested as NDLEA uncovers illicit drugs in full body mannequins

Published

4 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

80-year-old ex-convict arrested as NDLEA uncovers illicit drugs in full body mannequins

By: Michael Mike

An unrepentant 80-year-old grandpa Jeremiah Nkanta has again been nabbed for another drug crime by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) barely

three years after he was arrested, prosecuted and sentenced to two years imprisonment for dealing in illicit drugs,

A statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi on Sunday said Nkanta, notorious for illicit drug business was first arrested by NDLEA on 14th December 2022, prosecuted and sentenced to two years in jail by a Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

Babafemi said Nkanta not ready to let go the old habit, returned to the illicit drug trade and following credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives on Saturday tracked the Octogenarian ex-convict to his Mmanta – Abak village, Abak local government area of Akwa Ibom state, where he was arrested with 5.7 kilogrammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis in his residence.

The spokesman said in another successful interdiction operation in Akwa Ibom state, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Oron-Ibaka road in Oron local government area last Friday intercepted a 37-year-old businessman Ani Onyebuchi while travelling with full body mannequins for his clothing business in Cameroun, adding that a search of the mannequins revealed that they were stuffed with pills of tramadol weighing 5.3 kilogrammes.

He said the suspect claimed he resides in Cameroon and was reportedly returning to his base after the Christmas and New Year holidays when he was apprehended. It was revealed that he bought the drugs in Onitsha, Anambra state and was trafficking them to Cameroon to sell, using two mannequins to conceal the opioids.

In Oyo state, raids across different locations led to the seizure of dangerous illicit drugs and arrest of notorious dealers, including 45-year-old Remi Bamidele (Alias ‘Aluko the Mafia’) at Sasa, Ibadan, where a total of 10.696 kilogrammes of Colorado, Scottish Loud, Ghana Loud, Canadian Loud and skunk, all strains of cannabis.

Babafemi said at the time of his arrest last Thursday, two vehicles: Toyota Venza and Toyota Yaris marked HG 06 LYD were recovered from him.

At Adegbayi area of the state capital Ibadan, NDLEA officers lastbFriday arrested Adeola Toheeb, 27, with various quantities of Colorado, Ghana Loud and skunk while Habeeb Ali, 29, was nabbed at Ring road, Ibadan with 1.264 kilogrammes Colorado, Scottish Loud and skunk. Not less than

₦1,307,100 cash exhibit was also recovered from him at the point of his arrest on Saturday.

A dispatch rider Osagbovo Edigin, 30, and two other suspects: Ebimi Labo, 28, and Akhimie Success, 25, were last Friday arrested at Ihama/Airport road GRA Benin City, Edo state in connection with the seizure of 118 grammes of Canadian Loud and a wrap of Colorado.

While Jimoh Agbonmhegbe, 49, was arrested at Irrua with 17.552 kilogrammes Colorado, Loud and skunk, another suspect Evelyn Okoyomon, 38, was nabbed at Ubiaja with 930 grammes of skunk last Wednesday.

Babafemi said in Niger state, no fewer than 4,000 pills of tramadol 225mg were recovered from a suspect Nazifi Umar, 22, at Dakwa town, Tafa local government area, while another suspect Yusuf Usman, 41, was nabbed with 100 blocks of skunk weighing 47 kilogrammes at Lankaviri, Yorro local government area, Taraba state last Wednesday.

Not less than 30,950 capsules of tramadol, he said were recovered from the home of a suspect Ugwoke Chibueze, 40, in Bachure area of Yola South local government area, Adamawa state following his arrest at the Lamido Aliyu Mustapha International Airport Yola last Tuesday.

Babafemi said with the same vigour, commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), while commending the officers and men of Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Taraba, Edo, Oyo, and Niger commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures, stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.

80-year-old ex-convict arrested as NDLEA uncovers illicit drugs in full body mannequins