In recent weeks, incidents involving the Department of State Services (DSS) in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have sparked outrage and raised concerns among residents and the wider public.
The incidents have ignited discussions about human rights abuses committed by operatives of the DSS and the need for accountability within the agency.
The latest incident involved the reported assault of a 60-year-old businessman waiting at the Ethiopian Embassy in the Nigerian capital, to collect his visa.
According to reports, the man was peacefully working on his laptop when he was allegedly subjected to physical violence by DSS personnel, resulting in injuries and bleeding. The man’s wife has since come forward to share her distress over the incident.
The DSS has reportedly apologized for the incident involving the 60-year-old businessman, citing it as a “mistake.”
However, the incidents have prompted residents of Abuja to raise questions about the need for increased transparency and accountability within the security agency.
In another recent case at the Garki market, DSS shot a tailor for not meeting a customer’s demand.
Calls for thorough investigations into these incidents and appropriate disciplinary actions against those responsible have emerged from various quarters.
Concerned citizens and advocacy groups have stressed the importance of ensuring that security personnel operate within the bounds of the law and respect the rights and safety of civilians.
The incidents also underscore the need for enhanced training and adherence to standard operating procedures by security agencies to prevent such unfortunate events from occurring in the future.
