Connect with us

News

Act On Intelligence Provided By DSS-CSF Urges Security Agencies

Published

3 years ago

on

 

 

The Citizens Stability Forum (CSF) ,a civil society and citizen’s groups coalition calls on the security
agencies in Nigeria to act on intelligence provided by the Department of State Services (DSS) in
containing the security threats bedevilling the country.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen including NIGERIAN TRACKER

The statement which was signed by the lead convener of the group Mukhtar Lawal and Co -Convener John Azi said the current insecurity happenings in Nigeria have exposed the lack of collaboration and synergy between security agencies in the country.

The statement said the most disturbing aspect been the continuous disregard to security intelligence provided by the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Military, Police and Paramilitary security agencies, something that in some countries can be treated as treasonable offence.

 

“The Department of State Services (DSS) is one of the most important arms of Nigeria’s security setup
saddled with critical functions of prevention and detection of any crime/terrorism against the internal
security of Nigeria and provision of timely advice to Government on all matters of National security
interest among others. This function has made the DSS the fulcrum of intelligence gathering and
sharing among sister security agencies. As such when there is inefficiency in collaboration or a lack of
synergy with other security agencies the result will be that criminals and terrorist will be having a
field day and will be pulling up acts of terrorism that will otherwise be impossible for them. One may
then question what is the problem? Why is the collaboration and co-operation between the security
agencies this ineffective and who is at fault and responsible for this? To answer these questions, one
needs to understand the role that each agency needs to play in this security co-operation. The roles are
clearly defined by Nigeria’s constitution, that DSS are responsible for security (of all sort) intelligence
gathering and sharing this intelligence with relevant sister agencies while the role the other agencies is
to act on such intelligence. ”

Arewa Coalition demands police report on Gulak’s death, Nwosu’s arrest

Mukhtar Lawal and Azi said based on all relevant evidence and happenings in the country, it is very clear that the DSS has been playing its role diligently and have been feeding the relevant agencies with intelligence before the occurrence on most of the unfortunate insecurity events that recently occurred. For example, before the Bombing, shooting and Kidnapping incident on the Abuja-Kaduna Train on the 28th of March 2022, the DSS issued a security alert about the suspicious movements and activities of terrorist elements in the vicinity of the rail lines between Rijana and Kateri to both the Military and police as well as the Nigerian Railway Corporation. Unfortunately, the disregard to such critical intelligence by relevant authorities led to the loss of lives of eight (8) Nigerian citizens, forty-one (41) hospitalised and over sixty (60) civilians kidnapped by terrorist. Likewise, before the terrorist attack on Kuje
Prison on the 5th of July 2022 where they succeeded in releasing their fellow colleagues. It is on
record that the DSS shared 44 intelligence reports relating to this threat with relevant agencies before
the attack on the prison. This has been proved by remarks from the Deputy Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Idris Wase who stated that he has went through the report, but unfortunately the
relevant agencies failed to act. These are just among the few proofs that found their way to public
domain as DSS does not flaunt its operations and activities to the public, rather most operations and
activities are classified, and as is the norm for State and Secrete Service departments all over the
world.

Advert

The full statement of the coalition also reads as follows

“A lot of the success and ability of the DSS to meet up with its own security responsibility is down to
the excellent leadership from the DSS hierarchy led by Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Yusuf Bichi.
The DG has instilled commitment, diligence, and pro-activeness in tackling insecurity across the
county. Mr Bichi has also vigorously drive improvement in welfare and wellbeing of personnel
including improved and frequent payment of allowances, more investment in infrastructure in
commands and formations across the country, as well as providing officers and operatives with more
training and re-training opportunities. These are all geared towards creating a conducive working
environment and increasing the efficiency of the workforce. As a result, DSS personnel have shown
increased professionalism, discipline and loyalty in carrying out their duties. Of late, strong remarks
and proofs that security personnel from various military and paramilitary agencies are highly involved
in crude oil bunkering in the Niger Delta has been very disappointing to Nigerians. Among all these
security agencies it is only personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) that are mentioned to be part of this dirty and treasonable acts. This was backed by remarks from the biggest and most experience pipeline private security contractor i.e., Government Ekpemupolo A.K.A Tompolo who stated that only the DSS can be exonerated from the sabotage by some security personnel in stealing
Nigeria’s resources by promoting bunkering activities. The professionalism of the DSS led by Mr
Bichi has been nothing but excellent, for example the threat issued by the USA and Britain Embassies
recently was long gathered and issued to the relevant authorities by the DSS in a more professional
manner without causing any form of panic and the Service has since then been working behind the
scenes to nip the possible threat in the bud. The DG of the DSS is more concerned and interested in
achieving results and not craving for undue publicity.
One will wonder then, if the DSS is able to meet of its responsibilities and perform excellently, then
why are the other relevant agencies failing? The answer to this is that it entirely points to the lack of
willing leadership in these agencies. To fix this, the buck falls on the table of the President of Nigeria

Muhammadu Buhari. So many heads of security agencies have gotten away with negligence and
disregard to rule of law and it is his responsibility to ensure that decisive action is taken against any
security agency and its hierarchy that are found wanting and neglecting intelligence. To secure this
country the security agencies must work collectively together, and it is the responsibility of the
Presidency to ensure that.
It is also important to point out that such disregard of intelligence by other relevant security agencies
is likely contributed to reason why the United States and its allies including the UK and Canada are
wary of sharing intelligence with Nigeria, thus leading to the recent wrong and unfortunate situation
of going to the public with terror alert. Decision to avert such from happening again must be taken by
the Presidency and it is highly imperative that the DSS is promoted and empowered to engage through
diplomatic channels with foreign missions and their intelligence to work together to provide the DSS
with security intelligence and avoid foreign mission from releasing terror alerts to the public.
It is clear that the public commendation and appreciation of the DSS is important to the confidence
and motivation of its personnel as they work tirelessly to keep Nigeria safe. And it will be
encouraging that Nigerian’s continue to support the DSS and other security agencies as we battle
through these security challenges”

 

Related Topics:

News

FG Launches Energise Commercialisation to Turn Nigerian Innovations into Market-Ready Ventures

Published

2 hours ago

on

April 23, 2026

By

 

The Federal Government has officially launched the Energise Commercialisation initiative, a nationwide programme aimed at transforming innovative ideas into market-ready products and services.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kano, Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Kinsley Tochukwu Udeh, said the initiative shows the government’s commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s innovation potential and driving economic growth through research and development.

Dr. Udeh explained that dignitaries and global partners are expected to converge on Kano from across Nigeria and beyond to participate in the programme. He noted that the gathering reflects the growing interest in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and the need to connect local talent with international opportunities and partnerships.

According to the minister, Nigeria is not lacking in ideas but has historically struggled with converting those ideas into revenue-generating ventures. He said the Energise Commercialisation programme is designed to bridge that gap by supporting innovators through the process of developing viable, market-driven solutions.

He further stated that the initiative will extend beyond its initial technical sessions in the North-West geopolitical zone. “After the North-West phase, we will move to other geopolitical zones to ensure nationwide participation,” Dr. Udeh said, emphasizing the Federal Government’s plan to make the programme inclusive and far-reaching.

The minister disclosed that more than 1,000 entries have already been received from innovators across the country. He added that the Federal Government is working in collaboration with regional governors to strengthen participation and ensure that promising ideas are identified and supported at the grassroots level.

Advert

Dr. Udeh highlighted the role of young women in the programme, noting that their innovative efforts will be nurtured and positioned for success in the marketplace. He said the initiative is focused on equipping participants with the tools and support needed to compete effectively in both local and global markets.

Describing the programme as a strategic investment, the minister said the government is committed to funding and developing innovation-driven projects that can generate economic value. He added that Energise Commercialisation is designed to stimulate a surge in viable research outcomes and practical innovations.

He also noted that the government is anticipating strong engagement from captains of industry, who are expected to play a key role in mentoring participants and supporting the commercialisation of research outputs. According to him, this collaboration will help bridge the gap between academia, innovation, and industry.

Dr. Udeh revealed that Kano State has recorded the highest number of entries so far, making it a natural choice for the national launch of the programme. He described Kano as Nigeria’s ancient commercial hub, adding that its historical and economic significance makes it an ideal host city.

He further explained that the choice of Kano was influenced by the support of the state government, particularly in providing logistics and enabling a conducive environment for the event. The minister commended the Kano State Government for its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Udeh said the programme is focused on building a sustainable platform that connects innovators, investors, and policymakers. He noted that contingents from the seven North-Western states have already arrived in Kano and set up their pavilions, showcasing a wide range of innovative ideas and projects.

He described Energise Commercialisation as a multi-stakeholder initiative anchored by the Federal Government, with strong institutional support at regional and state levels. According to him, the programme includes facilitation committees that will oversee implementation and ensure effective coordination.

The minister added that state governments have been tasked with identifying and nurturing talent from local government areas, ensuring that innovation opportunities are not limited to urban centres. He stressed that the inclusion of grassroots participants is critical to the success of the initiative and the overall development of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

 

Those that jointly attended the briefing are the state commissioner for information Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya and the Kano state ALGON chairman Hajiya Saadatu Yushau who is also the chairman of Tudun Wada Local Government area .

Continue Reading

News

Barau Jibrin Drives Grassroots Empowerment with 47 Vehicles, 287 Motorcycles in Kano North

Published

3 hours ago

on

April 23, 2026

By

 

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has distributed 47 vehicles and 287 motorcycles to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the Kano North Senatorial District as part of efforts to support grassroots empowerment.

The beneficiaries include APC local government chairmen, their secretaries and other party stakeholders in the district.

Barau, who spoke through the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Salihu Sagir Takai, said the intervention was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the vehicles and motorcycles were meant to ease economic hardship and improve the livelihoods of the beneficiaries.

Advert

According to him, the initiative is part of his continued interventions in human and capital development in Kano North, adding that more programmes would follow.

“This is not the first time we are carrying out such an intervention, and it will certainly not be the last,” he said.

The Chief of Staff to the Deputy President of the Senate, Professor Muhammad Ibn Abdullahi, described the gesture as a capital-intensive intervention aimed at lifting beneficiaries out of poverty and promoting self-reliance.

He said Kano North was fortunate to have a leader committed to initiatives that stimulate development and improve living standards.

Abdullahi also urged the beneficiaries not to sell the items but to use them productively to generate income.

Similarly, Barau’s media aide, Shittu Madaki, said the items were carefully distributed to selected beneficiaries, noting that more empowerment programmes were in the pipeline.

Also speaking, Takai, a former governorship candidate in Kano State, said the intervention reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots level, aimed at reducing poverty and improving the welfare of constituents.

Since his election as the Deputy Senate President on 2024 Senator Barau Jibrin has been empowerimg his constituents on self reliance and capital support to small scale industrialists

Continue Reading

News

One Kano Agenda Commends Governor Yusuf For Selecting Garo As Deputy Governor

Published

4 hours ago

on

April 23, 2026

By

 

The One Kano Agenda wishes to commend His Excellency, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for the nomination of Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor, as the decision is strategic move that reflects foresight, inclusiveness, and commitment to effective governance.

We wish to note that, the nomination aligns with the broader vision of strengthening governance through experienced leadership capable of bridging policy direction and grassroots realities.

It is our belief that, Governor Yusuf’s decision has demonstrated a clear understanding of the political and administrative demands of the state, emphasizing that leadership at such a critical level requires competence, loyalty, and a deep connection with the people.

“The nomination of Hon. Murtala Sule Garo is a commendable step toward consolidating governance and enhancing administrative coordination. It reflects a deliberate effort by His Excellency to prioritize capacity and experience in advancing the state’s development agenda

Advert

As we observe, Hon. Garo’s track record in public service and political engagement, positions him as a valuable asset in supporting the Governor’s vision for sustainable development and responsive governance.

One Kano Agenda therefore wishes to call on stakeholders across political divides to rally behind the nomination, stressing that unity and collective responsibility remain essential for achieving long-term progress and stability.

We urge political actors to embrace collaboration over division, noting that the success of governance ultimately depends on shared commitment to the welfare of the people.

We wish to reaffirm our support for the administration, and we pledge our continued advocacy for policies and decisions that promote inclusiveness, institutional strength, and improved service delivery across Kano State.

We equally express confidence that the nomination will further strengthen governance structures and contribute positively to the realization of the administration’s developmental objectives.

 

Continue Reading

Trending