Why we dismissed 115 officers – DSS opens up

The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the dismissal of 115 personnel for indiscipline, warning Nigerians to exercise caution when dealing with anyone claiming to be an operative.

In a statement posted on its official website on Tuesday, the Service said the move is part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening discipline and protecting the public from impostors.

“As part of the ongoing reforms in the Department of State Services, the public is hereby informed that a total of 115 personnel have been dismissed over a period,” the statement read.

The DSS noted that some of the dismissed officers continue to present themselves as serving operatives, prompting the Service to release their names publicly to prevent impersonation and fraud.

“In addition to previous disclaimers on Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, the Service finds it necessary to warn citizens about fraudulent activities by some individuals still posing as DSS personnel,” the statement added.

The Service urged Nigerians, government agencies, private organisations, and community leaders to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent the DSS before engaging them in any official capacity.

“Members of the public are advised not to engage in any official dealings with these dismissed individuals,” the statement cautioned.

To ensure transparency, the full list of the dismissed personnel has been published on the DSS website for public reference.

The DSS emphasized that this initiative is part of broader reforms to enhance accountability, restore public trust, and curb the activities of impostors exploiting the Service’s name.

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and encouraged citizens to report any suspicious individuals claiming to be DSS operatives through official channels