News
DSS Invasion of Abuja Office Explained by SERAP Staff
A staff member of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has recounted the events surrounding the recent invasion of their Abuja office by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). The incident, which occurred on the morning of Monday, September 9, involved several DSS agents arriving at the office and demanding to see Kolawole Oluwadare, the Deputy Director of SERAP.
The staff member, who spoke anonymously, revealed that the DSS agents, including a male and a female officer, entered the office at 11:09 a.m. and stayed until 11:21 a.m. Armed officers remained outside while the two entered the premises. The female officer persistently inquired about the whereabouts of Deputy Director Kola, who was not in the country at the time. When asked if they had an appointment or official reason for their visit, the DSS officers admitted they did not and described their visit as a “friendly chat.”
During the brief encounter, the officers asked about SERAP’s office locations across Nigeria, particularly in Lagos, and were directed to the organization’s website for further information. After leaving the office momentarily, the officers returned to instruct the staff member to inform Kolawole Oluwadare that he was required to report to their office on Tuesday, September 10. The female DSS officer disclosed her identity by providing her name and phone number but did not present a formal invitation letter.
The SERAP employee emphasized that she informed the DSS officer that it would be impossible for the Deputy Director to return to the country and honor the request on such short notice. She also highlighted the importance of a formal invitation for such matters, to which the DSS officer responded by asking her to communicate with the organization’s leadership and get back to her before the day’s end.
The incident has raised concerns about the manner in which the DSS approached the situation, especially given the absence of a formal invitation or clear explanation for their visit.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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