JUST-IN: We were on a routine investigation into the SERAP office, says DSS

• SERAP yesterday alerted Nigerians that the secret service invaded its Abuja office, demanding to see the rights group’s directors
• The rights group in a statement urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately direct DSS to end the intimidation. 

The Department of State Services (DSS) has said that its operatives did not unlawfully invade the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) offices in Abuja.

In a statement on Tuesday, the DSS said its operatives were lawfully detailed on routine investigation at the SERAP office in Abuja.

The secret police said they have been inundated with multiple enquiries on its alleged unlawful invasion of SERAP offices.

“This narrative is inaccurate and misleading in its intent,” the statement reads.

“For the records, a team of two (2) unarmed Service operatives were lawfully detailed on routine investigation to SERAP office in Abuja, which has sadly been skewed and misinterpreted as unlawful, harassment and intimidation of SERAP officials.

“The Service further wishes to state that such official enquiries and liaison are traditional and does not in any way amount to illegality or raid.

“While it assures of indept investigation of these malicious contents, it sues for citizens’ participation in national security management.”

The DSS asked the public to disregard false narratives, restating its commitment to professionalism in discharging its core mandate with utmost dedication and integrity.

Recall that, SERAP said the DSS agents were unlawfully occupying its office in Abuja on Monday.

The group had asked President Bola Tinubu to direct the DSS to end the harassment, intimidation, and attack on the rights of Nigerians.