The Department of State Services, DSS, has announced the dismissal of 115 personnel as part of an extensive internal reform effort aimed at strengthening professionalism, accountability, and public trust within the agency.
The recent house cleaning effort marks one of the most sweeping personnel actions undertaken by the Service in recent years.
According to the DSS, the dismissed individuals were sanctioned over a period of time for various forms of misconduct, with some already publicly disowned due to their involvement in fraudulent activities.
The Service reiterated that it had earlier issued disclaimers on two former personnel—Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin—both of whom have been linked to impersonation and fraudulent dealings using the DSS name.
The agency noted that despite their dismissal, some of the affected individuals continue to parade themselves as serving officers, posing risks to unsuspecting citizens.
As a result, the DSS has urged members of the public to avoid engaging in any official transactions or interactions with these individuals, stressing that their continued impersonation undermines the integrity and reputation of Nigeria’s security framework.
To promote transparency, the Service has made public the names and details of all 115 dismissed personnel on its official website.
This measure, the agency said, is intended to help institutions, partners, and the general public verify identities and avoid falling victim to impersonation schemes.
The DSS emphasised that the ongoing reforms are part of a broader push to enhance operational efficiency and ensure that only disciplined, credible, and ethically sound officers remain within its ranks.
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By “cleansing its system,” the agency aims to reinforce the high standards expected of national security operatives.
In addition to warning the public about impersonators, the DSS encouraged individuals and organisations to remain vigilant and report suspicious interactions involving persons claiming to be its officers.
The Service provided dedicated contact channels for verification, complaints, and security-related enquiries—including a helpline (09088373515) and an official email address (dsspr@dss.gov.ng).
The publication of the dismissed persons’ identities, a relatively uncommon step in Nigeria’s security space, has also been described as a sign of increasing transparency.
The DSS reiterated its commitment to professionalism and assured the public that the reforms will continue. It also encouraged Nigerians to rely on official communication channels, as the Service works to curb impersonation and protect the public from fraudulent activities carried out in its name.
Crediblenewsng.com
