DSS Clarifies Visit to SERAP Office

The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a statement addressing the controversy surrounding its operatives’ visit to the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project’s (SERAP) Abuja office on Monday.

Contrary to reports of a raid, the DSS explained that the agents were conducting a routine investigation.

In a statement on its website, the DSS described the narrative of an unlawful invasion as “inaccurate and misleading.”

The agency clarified that two unarmed operatives were detailed to the SERAP office for an official enquiry, which was misinterpreted as harassment and intimidation.

The DSS stressed that such visits are traditional and do not constitute illegality or a raid.

The agency assured the public of an in-depth investigation into the malicious contents surrounding the incident and urged citizens to participate in national security management.

The statement concluded with the DSS reaffirming its commitment to professionalism in discharging its core mandate.

—SERAP’s Response—

SERAP had earlier condemned the invasion of its Abuja office, urging President Bola Tinubu to direct the DSS to end the intimidation and harassment of its officials.

In a statement, SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare described the incident as a “brutal assault on the entire human rights community” and called for an immediate investigation.

The organization expressed concern over the growing restrictions on civic space and the crackdown on human rights defenders, amplifying the government’s obligation to support and protect civil society groups.