2023: DSS begins clampdown on political thugs across states
Department of State Services (DSS) says its operatives have commenced ‘proactive and intelligence-led operations’ across states of the federation at criminal hot spots against political thugs and other miscreants as part of its commitment to a peaceful Saturday, February 25 Presidential and National assembly elections.
DSS’s spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, who disclosed this in a statement, Thursday, added further that operations were being carried out in partnership with other sister security and law enforcement agencies; all levels and arms of government ‘and indeed all stakeholders particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations to ensure a hitch free electoral exercise.’
According to him, the DSS is assuring the citizenry of ‘its commitment to a peaceful exercise,’ as it also pledged its neutrality, professionalism and good conduct of its personnel to the democratic process.
The agency further enjoined eligible voters to cast their votes without any form of violence and also maintain the peace after that.
“To achieve the desired environment for the elections, the Service engaged in proactive and intelligence-led operations across the States.
“On 22nd February, 2023, the Service conducted a legally backed search operation on a property along Airport Road, Nasarawa LGA, Kano State. During the operation, it recovered dangerous weapons including a gun, daggers, swords, jack-knives from the said building. Pictures are attached herein:
“On the same 22nd February, 2023, the Service arrested a gunrunner, Aliyu YAHAYA, an associate of Kachalla Damina, a suspected bandit who operates around Dansadau, Zamfara State. Items recovered from YAHAYA include: one GPMG Rifle; one chain of ammunition, One Hundred and Ninety (190) rounds of GMPG Ammunition, Twenty Eight (28) rounds of AK47 Ammunition and One (1) grenade. The suspect was going to deliver the armaments to DAMINA (See picture of Yahaya and the dangerous materials seized from him).
”In Kaduna State, two (2) arm couriers namely Tukur Usman and Illiyasu Adamu were arrested at Chikun LGA, on 20th February, 2023. Three Hundred and Seventy-Two (372) rounds of 7.62 X 39mm ammunition; Twenty-Six (26) rounds of live ammunition for GPMG rifle were recovered from them. The duo were suspected arm suppliers to bandits in Zamfara State.
“Earlier, on 22nd January, 2023, the duo of Shafíu Usman and Ahmed Nasiru were arrested on the Barkin Ladi-Pankshin Road, Plateau State while on transit to deliver ammunitions to their customers. Six Hundred and Twelve (612) rounds of ammunition for GPMG-120 and AK-492 concealed in a bag of rice were seized from them.
“On 16th February, 2023, at Asaba, Delta State, Fajuwon Isaac was arrested. Four Thousand, Five and Three (4,503) rounds of pump action rifle ammunition among others were recovered from him.
On 18th February, 2023, in Anambra State, the Service arrested the quartet of Sunday Muokwue, Oforjeri Osita, Ude Bernard John and Okechukwu Emeka and recovered among others from them, one AK-47, Three Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eighty Five (3,985) rounds of AK-47 ammunition,” the DSS statement read.
According to Afunaya, ‘these operations are a continuation of similar ones executed in December 2022 and January, 2023 during which suspects were arrested and arms and ammunition recovered across the geo-political zones of the country. On the security situation in Sagamu, Ogun State, the Service is working with relevant agencies to bring those behind the violent protest to book. After due investigations, all the suspects will be charged to court.’
Similarly, the DSS disclosed that it has engaged stakeholders including the media, faith and community based organisations, civil society and others.
“While this is part of its non-kinetic strategies to maintain peace and public order before, during and after the elections, it will also not rest on its oars to identify and disrupt subversive tendencies; be they terrorists, kidnappers, hostage takers or outlawed violent separatist agitators and their likes.
“In discharging its mandate, the DSS will be fair, objective, transparent and accountable but like the President has directed, “Firm and Courageous”. It will abide by the rule of law and comply with the tenets of democracy. The Service will be decisive in the implementation of its responsibilities and this will be done without let or hindrance,” the statement read.
DSS also advised the media to ‘exercise restraint in the news you may wish to publish or relay. At the end of the day, there should be a country before there can be a President, a Governor or Parliamentarian. People should not see elections as a do-or-die affair. Nigerians are called upon to be patriotic in exercising their franchise. We should give peace a chance.’
