• Home
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
  • National
    • Government
  • Security
  • Features
  • State
  • Event
    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
PRNIGERIA PRNigeria News
PRNIGERIA PRNIGERIA
  • Home
  • Anti-Corruption
    • Chinese nationals jailed in Lagos

      Court Jails Nine Chinese Nationals for Cybercrime in Lagos

      ASUU

      Tackle Corruption, Institutional Decay – ASUU Charges FG

      EFCC Arraigns Bauchi Accountant General Over N8bn Fraud as Court Sentences…

      PRNigeria logo fearured image

      EFCC Arraigns Ex-Convict, Other for Naira Abuse in Lagos

      EFCC Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ilorin

  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
    • Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Nigeria Customs, ICPC and the Audit of Conscience

      Customs Diplomacy: Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Ink Mutual Assistance Deal

      Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Nigeria, Belarus Forge Alliance to Combat Smuggling, Facilitate Trade

      President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and CG Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

      Tinubu Hails Customs Boss Wale Adeniyi on Historic Election as WCO…

      WTO Lauds Nigeria Customs for Embracing Global Trade Standards

  • National
    • Ribadu Proposes Reintegration of Military Veterans to Bolster National Security

      DICON signs MoU with Saudi firm

      DICON, Saudi firm sign MoU to produce security drones, satellites in…

      Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya

      Ex-COAS Urges Reforms in Recruitment, Training of Army, Harps on Prioritisation…

      Prioritise Troops’ Welfare, Mission Over Personal Gain – COAS Charges Army…

      Nigeria’s Growth Numbers Tell Only Half the Story By Umar Farouk…

    • Government
      • Corporate Affairs Commission

        CAC Unveils AI-Powered Registration Portal to Revolutionize Business Registration in Nigeria

        Employment: ICPC Secures Conviction of FAAN Staff

        Staff of PRNigeria with federal lawmakers

        Federal Lawmakers Endorse PRNigeria Fellowship, Pledge Support for Youth Empowerment

        G7 Countries

        Iran Must Never Possess Nuclear Weapons – G7 Declare

        Nigerian Dignitaries, Business Leaders Attend Aminu Dantata’s Burial in Madinah Saudi…

  • Security
    • Ribadu Proposes Reintegration of Military Veterans to Bolster National Security

      DICON signs MoU with Saudi firm

      DICON, Saudi firm sign MoU to produce security drones, satellites in…

      Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya

      Ex-COAS Urges Reforms in Recruitment, Training of Army, Harps on Prioritisation…

      Prioritise Troops’ Welfare, Mission Over Personal Gain – COAS Charges Army…

      Customs Hands Over N172m Worth of Cannabis to NDLEA in Ogun,…

  • Features
    • Nigeria’s Growth Numbers Tell Only Half the Story By Umar Farouk…

      NYSC Corps Members in Camp

      The Burden Too Many Nigerian Youths Bear Alone

      Combating Deepfake Videos: A Fight for Nigeria’s Soul By Mukhtar Ya’u…

      Domestic Violence

      Marriage and the Silent Wounds Within Homes By Hafsat Ibrahim

      FutureMap Foundation Sparks Innovation with Design Thinking in Nigeria

  • State
    • Customs Hands Over N172m Worth of Cannabis to NDLEA in Ogun,…

      Combating Deepfake Videos: A Fight for Nigeria’s Soul By Mukhtar Ya’u…

      IEDs found at the bridge

      Military Foils Terrorists’ Bomb Attack, Discovers 56 IEDs on Marte–Dikwa Bridge…

      Suspected Gunrunner

      Plateau: Troops Nab Suspected Gunrunner, Recover AK-47, Ammunition in Plateau

      Troops Neutralise Scores of Militias in Plateau

  • Event
    • President & Chairman of Governing Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku

      NIPR Lauds Nigerian PR Firms for Outstanding Performances at 2025 SABRE…

      SCN NGO signs partnership with PRNIGERIA

      SCN NGO Seals Partnership with PRNigeria to Amplify its Humanitarian Projects

      NELFUND

      NELFUND Warns Students Against Fake Loan Application Portal

      EFCC Witness: Yahaya Bello Had No Property Dealings With EFAB

      Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu (RMS), with PRNigeria Ladies in PR I'm Abuja

      Rukayat Shittu Set to Publish Inspirational Book “Cracking the Glass Ceiling”,…

    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Home Features Nigeria’s secret police, the unsung hero of successful operations
  • Features

Nigeria’s secret police, the unsung hero of successful operations

By
Senator Iroegbu
-
December 1, 2020
Yusuf Magaji Bichi DG DSS
Yusuf Magaji Bichi DG DSS

Nigeria’s secret police, the unsung hero of successful operations
By Senator Iroegbu 

The service till date prides itself in its biggest achievement, which is ensuring the indivisibility and indissolubility of the country by promptly addressing the various challenges to Nigeria’s internal security. This constitutional provision has been upheld including being charged with the task of conducting counter measures against security threats, which is at the forefront of all its engagements.

Contrary to wide criticisms that the Department of State Services (DSS) has failed in its most basic duty as an intelligence agency following the EndSARS protest that rocked the nation in October, the service has implemented strategies that has not only been successful in tackling insecurity, but is saving the nation from collapse.
Suffice it to say that, if not for the pivotal role of the Service before, during and after the #EndSARS under the leadership of the present Director General, Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi, and in synergy with other agencies, the consequences of the plan by clandestine elements to hijack the hitherto peaceful EndSARS protests, may have been irredeemable.

By the nature of their jobs, the Nigeria Secret Police like it’s counterparts across the world, does not advertise their achievements or actionable intelligence except on the need-to-know basis. Fortunately, for some of some analysts and experts who by the nature of their jobs know some of the inner workings of the intelligence agency, they have come to realize that the agency is actually the eyes, ears and nose of the nation and pillars upon which the security of the country is solidified.

There is no doubt that it has had its own shares of failings and areas that needs improvement, especially concerning the issues of alleged human rights violations. However, these concerns have been consigned to the dustbin of history for over two years now as could be testified by the spirited efforts made by the then Acting Director General of the DSS, Mr. Mathew Seiyefa, a trajectory, which has been religiously improved upon by Bichi since assumptions of office. It is therefore, to his credit that the allegations of rights violations have reduced to the barest minimum.

The nation is today celebrating the arrest of the alleged Pension thief and fugitive, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, but what many did not know that the success was achieved through the instrumentality of the DSS in collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies.
There are also numerous covet but successful operations in aid of national security and anti-corruption drive. It would not be surprising that many people may be unaware that the operatives are very active in the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North East as well as providing actionable intelligence for the anti-graft agencies.

Accordingly, experts and analysts alike have described the Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) and its operatives as unsung heroes who, despite sustained attacks on its image, have remained true and committed to duties of curtailing threats to the internal security of the Nigeria.

The service till date prides itself in its biggest achievement, which is ensuring the indivisibility and indissolubility of the country by promptly addressing the various challenges to Nigeria’s internal security. This constitutional provision has been upheld including being charged with the task of conducting counter measures against security threats, which is at the forefront of all its engagements.

The DSS has effectively conducted counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the country. It has also achieved similar feats in the areas of reducing economic crimes, internet and advance fee frauds, kidnapping, banditry, arms trafficking and militancy, amongst others. It has sustained intelligence gathering efforts and aggressively participated in enforcement/joint operations with sister agencies. Some of its other widely reported achievements include, but not limited to: intercepting terrorist elements that try to gain illegal entry into the country as well as disrupting terrorist cells; Intercepting a large cache of arms and ammunition in parts of the country; and investigating and prosecuting high profile security breaches across the country.

Read Also:

  • Ribadu Proposes Reintegration of Military Veterans to Bolster National Security
  • DICON, Saudi firm sign MoU to produce security drones, satellites in Nigeria
  • Ex-COAS Urges Reforms in Recruitment, Training of Army, Harps on Prioritisation of Troops’ Welfare

Other responsibilities dutifully performed by the secret Police include: continued protection of democratic institutions thus strengthening the democratic culture in Nigeria; providing policy support to all levels of Government through timely dissemination of intelligence, providing timely security education for the public through effective information and communication management. This has served to boost the public confidence in the Service and reversed previously held notions that it is unfriendly. Other strategies employed by the agency are; training and capacity building for staff, acquisition of new tools and technological capacity to meet today’s challenges, partnership with strategic groups, strategic communication and robust fight against terrorism and insurgency.

DSS DG, Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi
It is however, important to note that the DSS has been able to achieve this through collaborations with sister agencies, providing actionable and timely intelligence to the sister agencies and to government officials for informed policy as well as improved staff welfare, timely payment of allowances, providing medical support and accommodation.

It has sustained intelligence gathering efforts and aggressively participated in enforcement/joint operations with sister agencies. Some of its other widely reported achievements include, but not limited to: intercepting terrorist elements that try to gain illegal entry into the country as well as disrupting terrorist cells; Intercepting a large cache of arms and ammunition in parts of the country; and investigating and prosecuting high profile security breaches across the country.

On assessment s of his two-year tenure, Bichi has received commendations by both critics and supporters of the government, state officials and his peers in the security sector as well as the staff of the agency for his team spirit as well as professionalism devoid of political activism or gratification. The DSS boss has achieved strategically not only in combating insecurity, but also within the service. Just recently, the Forum of Retired Directors (FORD) of the DSS paid solidarity visit to the DGSS and praised him for his sterling leadership disposition. The Forum members are accomplished personalities and not known for praise singing.
A public affairs analyst, Raymond Uchenna noted that since inception of the Service, postings and deployments of all cadres of personnel has been a regular occurrence which has never been put to question.

The analyst who spoke while debunking claims that the morale of DSS staff is at its lowest said, ” My inquiries revealed that even the lowest ranking operative in the DSS rates the present DG as one of the best in terms of staff welfare. Not only are salaries and allowances paid on time, all outstanding sundry arrears have been cleared by his administration.

“This is in addition to the provision of very conducive working environment and also accommodations as well as the face-lifting of almost all existing structures to boost staff personnel.”
On accusation that the DSS was complicit in the degeneration of the EndSars protests, Uchenna described it as sensational, illogical and irresponsible. He argued that intelligence processes start with the needs of intelligence consumers as well as other decision makers who require such information for informed policy.
Quoting him, he said: “Intelligence is strictly shared on NEED-TO-KNOW basis and restrictions. Real stakeholders have not complained about DSS laxity in intelligence production and sharing. I view the accusation that the DSS failed to intercept intelligence on the recent #EndSARS protests as a weak and despondent excuse aimed at giving support to the baseless allegations contained in the write-up.

“I want to believe the pivotal role of the Service before, during and after the #EndSARS protest was critical in the restoration of peace and stability.
“The Service, without mincing words, has paid its dues. The unity of Nigeria has rested on its shoulders, thus enemies of progress should not join moles and internal detractors to distract it. I can categorically state that since his assumption of office, the present DG enjoys impeccable support and cooperation of his management team and indeed all staff. This assertion is reflected in the efficient and optimal discharge of the Service’ mandate to protecting and preserving the internal security of the country”, he added.
Crucial but often neglected achievement of the current DSS since the time of Seiyefa and amplified by Bichi, is having a sense of responsibility as well as accountability to the public, especially Nigerians who want to know about some issues of national importance. There is no doubt that the agency scored itself high when it reinvigorated its open source and public relations department, manned by professionals that has given a face to the agency while providing declassified information to the media and the public. This has enhanced public education on preventive measures against crimes through effective deployment of strategic communication. Equally important, was the robust engagement with the media and partnership with the Presidential communication to give special briefing to media managers.

There is no doubt that the agency scored itself high when it reinvigorated its open source and public relations department, manned by professionals that has given a face to the agency while providing declassified information to the media and the public. This has enhanced public education on preventive measures against crimes through effective deployment of strategic communication. Equally important, was the robust engagement with the media and partnership with the Presidential communication to give special briefing to media managers.

Senator Iroegbu, a journalist and security analyst can be reached via [email protected]

VISIT OUR OTHER WEBSITES
PRNigeria.com EconomicConfidential.com PRNigeria.com/Hausa/
EmergencyDigest.com PoliticsDigest.ng TechDigest.ng
HealthDigest.ng SpokesPersonsdigest.com TeensDigest.ng
ArewaAgenda.com Hausa.ArewaAgenda.com YAShuaib.com
  • TAGS
  • dss
  • ENDSARS
  • Mathew Seiyefa
  • Yusuf Magaji Bichi
Previous articleOffice of SDGS Provides Water Project for University, 10 communities
Next articleMRA Names Websites of #EndSARS Blocked in Nigeria
Senator Iroegbu
Senator Iroegbu
http://www.PRNigeria.com

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Nigeria’s Growth Numbers Tell Only Half the Story By Umar Farouk Bala

NYSC Corps Members in Camp

The Burden Too Many Nigerian Youths Bear Alone

Combating Deepfake Videos: A Fight for Nigeria’s Soul By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

Domestic Violence

Marriage and the Silent Wounds Within Homes By Hafsat Ibrahim

FutureMap Foundation Sparks Innovation with Design Thinking in Nigeria

The Nigerian Army @162: A Testament to Sacrifice and National Unity By Sani Kukasheka Usman

Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

Nigeria Customs, ICPC and the Audit of Conscience

A Different Kind of War on Drugs By As-Sayyidul Arafat Abdulrazaq

For Aminu Dantata to Sleep Well… By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Customs Boss

Bashir Adeniyi: A Roadmap to Global Customs Leadership By Tahir Ahmad

IGP Kayode Egbetokun Police Boss

IGP Egbetokun: Leading the Charge for a Safer Nigeria By Danjuma S. Musa

NDLEA Logo

Drug Culture in Nigerian Music: When Art Imitates Harm By Arafat A. Abdulrazaq

Recent Posts

  • Ribadu Proposes Reintegration of Military Veterans to Bolster National Security
  • DICON, Saudi firm sign MoU to produce security drones, satellites in Nigeria
  • Ex-COAS Urges Reforms in Recruitment, Training of Army, Harps on Prioritisation of Troops’ Welfare
  • Prioritise Troops’ Welfare, Mission Over Personal Gain – COAS Charges Army Commanders
  • Nigeria’s Growth Numbers Tell Only Half the Story By Umar Farouk Bala
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
© 2020 PRNigeria. All Rights Reserved.
Latest News
Ribadu Proposes Reintegration of Military Veterans to Bolster National SecurityDICON, Saudi firm sign MoU to produce security drones, satellites in NigeriaEx-COAS Urges Reforms in Recruitment, Training of Army, Harps on Prioritisation of Troops’ WelfarePrioritise Troops’ Welfare, Mission Over Personal Gain - COAS Charges Army CommandersNigeria's Growth Numbers Tell Only Half the Story By Umar Farouk BalaThe Burden Too Many Nigerian Youths Bear AloneCAC Unveils AI-Powered Registration Portal to Revolutionize Business Registration in NigeriaEmployment: ICPC Secures Conviction of FAAN StaffCustoms Hands Over N172m Worth of Cannabis to NDLEA in Ogun, Commissions 13 New Patrol VehiclesCombating Deepfake Videos: A Fight for Nigeria's Soul By Mukhtar Ya'u MadobiMilitary Foils Terrorists' Bomb Attack, Discovers 56 IEDs on Marte–Dikwa Bridge in BornoNIPR Lauds Nigerian PR Firms for Outstanding Performances at 2025 SABRE Africa AwardsDHQ: How Troops Nabbed Mastermind of NDLEA Commander’s Kidnap in AnambraFederal Lawmakers Endorse PRNigeria Fellowship, Pledge Support for Youth EmpowermentSCN NGO Seals Partnership with PRNigeria to Amplify its Humanitarian Projects
X whatsapp