Arewa Youths Warn Against Misinformation on DSS, Kano Govt Hails Rescue of Abducted LG Scribe
A group, the Concerned Arewa Youth Council, has cautioned Nigerians against spreading allegations capable of undermining national security, particularly narratives targeting security institutions.
The group’s warning comes amid claims in some quarters alleging that the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, is religiously biased in the agency’s arrest pattern.
Addressing a press conference, the group’s spokesman, Abdulsamad Ibrahim, described the growing wave of misinformation and negative public perception surrounding security operations as dangerous, noting that it further complicates Nigeria’s already fragile security environment.
He stressed that security agencies require the understanding, cooperation, and support of citizens to effectively tackle evolving threats across the country.
Ibrahim dismissed as “irresponsible and harmful” the narrative suggesting that the DSS leadership conducts arrests based on religious considerations, insisting that such claims are not only misleading but also capable of eroding public trust in critical national institutions.
While noting that the group does not interfere in the operational activities of security agencies, he emphasised that institutions like the DSS function within established constitutional and legal frameworks.
According to him, in modern democracies, national security success is anchored on collaboration between citizens and institutions tasked with protecting lives and property.
He lamented that many Nigerians continue to interpret criminal activities through the lenses of religion and ethnicity, rather than viewing them as violations of the law, a trend he said allows offenders to evade justice while innocent citizens bear the consequences.
Ibrahim further expressed concern that actions taken by security agencies are often misrepresented, especially on social media where misinformation spreads rapidly and shapes public opinion.
Read Also:
Citing recent arrests of some social media activists and influencers over posts considered capable of inciting unrest, he said due process is frequently undermined by premature conclusions and unverified allegations in the public space.
He warned that such narratives, often driven by political, ethnic, or religious sentiments, risk weakening confidence in national security institutions.
The group therefore urged Nigerians, particularly social media users and public commentators, to exercise restraint, verify information before dissemination, and allow lawful processes to determine culpability or innocence.
“Promoting unity, responsible communication, and constructive engagement with security institutions remains critical to building a safer and more stable nation,” Ibrahim stated.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Government has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for successfully rescuing the abducted Administrative Secretary of Kibiya Local Government Area, Alhaji Hamza Durya.
Durya was reportedly kidnapped at his residence in Kibiya a few days ago by gunmen who demanded a ransom of ₦100 million.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the state government described the rescue operation as a “significant breakthrough” achieved through a swift and coordinated response by security agencies.
According to the statement, operatives of the DSS in Kano State successfully rescued the victim and arrested two suspected kidnappers who sustained gunshot injuries during the operation.
“The Kano State Government commends the DSS and other security agencies for their prompt response and unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” the statement said.
The government noted that the successful operation underscores the effectiveness of ongoing security strategies being implemented across the 44 local government areas of the state.
It also credited Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for providing necessary support and resources that have enhanced the operational capacity of security agencies.
Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peace and security, the state government urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security authorities.
“The government will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that Kano remains safe and secure for all,” the statement added.
By PRNigeria
