The Department of State Services has relieved 115 of its operatives of their duties as part of an ongoing internal reform aimed at sanitising the intelligence agency and strengthening professionalism.
The service confirmed the development on Tuesday, stating that the dismissal took place over a period as part of a major clean up exercise within the organisation.
According to a statement released by the DSS, the move is designed to rid the service of indiscipline and unprofessional conduct. The agency also warned members of the public to be cautious and avoid dealing with any of the dismissed personnel who may still parade themselves as serving operatives. “Members of the public are therefore advised to desist from any official dealing with these individuals who have been dismissed by the Service,” the notice read.
The service revealed that the names of the affected officers have been published on its official website to ensure transparency and prevent public deception. It added that any individual claiming to be an operative must be properly verified before the public engages in any form of official or sensitive discussions with them.
The DSS further disclosed that two former operatives identified as Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin were recently apprehended after they allegedly used the service’s identity to defraud unsuspecting citizens. The agency said the suspects will be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others impersonating the service.
The mass dismissal comes amid renewed efforts to improve discipline, accountability and public trust in Nigeria’s security agencies. The DSS noted that the reforms will continue as part of its commitment to strengthening national security and enhancing intelligence operations across the country.
The service urged citizens to report any suspicious individuals claiming to represent the DSS, stressing that the agency remains committed to protecting the public and maintaining high operational standards in line with global best practices.