A northern advocacy group, the Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA), has voiced strong support for the Department of State Services (DSS) amidst what it describes as deliberate attempts to discredit the agency and undermine its ongoing efforts in combating terrorism and banditry across Nigeria. In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its spokesperson, Ibrahim Dan-Musa, the group condemned what it called a “coordinated smear campaign” designed to erode public confidence in the DSS.
NEYGA pointed to recent media reports citing unnamed local hunters who alleged that DSS operatives misused advanced phone tracking technology meant for rescuing kidnapping victims. According to these reports, the technology was allegedly used by some agents to extort money from criminals in exchange for concealing their whereabouts. However, Dan-Musa dismissed these accusations as baseless fabrications, asserting that they were intended to tarnish the reputation of the DSS.
The group further referred to past incidents where similar unsubstantiated claims were made, including allegations that the DSS had abducted activist Usman Okai Austin and disrupted court proceedings involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello. NEYGA stated that these reports were later proven false and criticized what it sees as a trend of falsehoods being propagated by individuals with political or personal agendas.
Expressing appreciation for the DSS’s leadership under Director General Mr. Tosin Ajayi, NEYGA praised his professionalism and dedication to national security. They acknowledged recent commendations from Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, who recognized the agency’s effective operations in dismantling criminal groups and rescuing abducted victims, including members of the clergy.
Highlighting Ajayi’s humanitarian values, NEYGA noted his decision to compensate a victim of accidental DSS gunfire with ₦20 million—twice the amount mandated by a court judgment in 2018. They emphasized that such actions reflect a new level of accountability and compassion not seen in previous DSS leadership.
The group also applauded the DSS for its mature handling of false media reports, particularly the agency’s willingness to accept public apologies from news outlets that inaccurately claimed the DSS had invaded the Lagos State House of Assembly. NEYGA urged the agency to remain undistracted by misinformation and continue its critical work in protecting the nation.