The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied reports that its officers raided the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on Monday.
The DSS issued a statement clarifying that the visit was part of a routine investigation and not an act of harassment or intimidation, as some reports suggested.
According to the DSS, two unarmed operatives were sent to SERAP’s office as part of standard procedures. The agency criticized the portrayal of their actions as a raid, labeling it as “inaccurate and misleading.”
The statement also emphasized that such investigations are part of normal operations and do not constitute illegal activities. The DSS urged the public to disregard claims of harassment and reassured that it operates with professionalism.
In response, SERAP condemned the DSS’s actions, describing the visit as an “invasion” and an assault on human rights.
SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, called for President Bola Tinubu to intervene and end the alleged intimidation by the DSS. He emphasized the negative impact on human rights and civil society groups, urging the government to support and protect these organizations.
SERAP also criticized the government for the growing restrictions on civic space and the crackdown on human rights defenders, calling for a thorough investigation into the incident and accountability for those involved.
The DSS has committed to investigating the claims of malicious intent while reinforcing its dedication to upholding national security and professionalism.
