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2023: Group tasks security agencies on judicious utilisation of DSS intelligence reports
Nasiru Yusuf
Ahead of 2023 general election, a Coalition of civil society and citizen’s groups Citizens Stability Forum (CSF), has appealed to Nigeria’s security agencies to treat critical intelligence report provided by the Department of State Services (DSS) with utmost concern.
KANO FOCUS reports that the group made the appeal in a statement issued on Sunday jointly signed by the lead convener Mukhtar Lawan and co-covener John Azi.
CSF warned against what it described as routine disregard, and lack of appreciation of critical intelligence provided by the country’s lead spook agency, the Department of State Services (DSS) ahead of next year’s election.
The group also called on well-meaning individuals, and relevant security agencies to specially commend the current Director General, DG, DSS, Yusuf Bichi, given critical intelligence his agency has provided as back up to fighting insurgency and banditry, so far.
According to CSF, grave security breaches that have happened in the country were caused by the lack of collaboration and synergy between security agencies in the country.
“The most disturbing aspect been the continuous disregard to security intelligence provided by DSS to the Military, Police and Paramilitary security agencies, something that in some countries can be treated as a treasonable offence,” the statement said.
CSF alarm may not be unfounded given the series of insecurity episodes blamed on disregard of intelligence by the DSS, some of which were harped on by the forum.
“For example, before the Bombing, shooting and Kidnapping incident on the Abuja-Kaduna Train on the 28th of March 2022, the DSS issued a security alert about the suspicious movements and activities of terrorist elements in the vicinity of the rail lines between Rijana and Kateri to both the Military and police as well as the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
“Unfortunately, the disregard to such critical intelligence by relevant authorities led to the loss of lives of eight Nigerian citizens, 41 hospitalised and over sixty (60) civilians kidnapped by terrorists.
“Likewise, before the terrorist attack on Kuje Prison on the 5th of July 2022 where they succeeded in releasing their fellow colleagues, it is on record that the DSS shared 44 intelligence reports relating to this threat with relevant agencies before the attack on the prison.
“This has been proved by remarks from the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase who stated that he has gone through the report, but unfortunately the relevant agencies failed to act,” CSF stated.
CSF further urged the public to ask questions, like what the problem is and why there hasn’t been interagency synergy.
“Why is the collaboration and cooperation between the security agencies this ineffective and who is at fault and responsible for this,” the group asked.
The group further commended Bichi, DSS DG, over his role saying that the security agency being ability to hold its own under the circumstances is largely due to his dexterity.
” A lot of the success and ability of the DSS to meet up with its own security responsibility is down to the excellent leadership from the DSS hierarchy led by Director-General of the DSS, Yusuf Bichi,” CSF said.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A former Governor of Kano State Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for ordering a fresh investigation into the disappearance of activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday following recent testimony by a former aide to an ex-state governor, who allegedly claimed that police officers were responsible for Dadiyata’s disappearance in Kaduna.
Dadiyata, a lecturer and social media commentator, was abducted in 2019, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since then.
According to Kwankwaso, he and his associates have consistently advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
He described the Inspector-General’s directive for a comprehensive investigation as a “decisive and long-overdue action,” expressing hope that the process would uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
The former governor also urged police authorities to place individuals named in the allegations under close surveillance to prevent interference with the investigation.
Kwankwaso further called on the government to ensure that Dadiyata, if found alive, and his family receive adequate compensation for the trauma and hardship they have endured over the years.
He commended members of the public for sustaining advocacy efforts on the case and also praised Abba Hikima Fagge for what he described as his important role in the latest developments surrounding the investigation.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the renewed probe would ultimately deliver truth and justice in the case.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
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