The Department of State Services (DSS) has uncovered plans by some persons and groups to impersonate its personnel during the presidential and National Assembly elections.
A press statement by DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya, late Friday, said: “The plans include the use of Peace Corps members and other quasi security outfits as personnel of the DSS during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
“The Service, therefore, wishes to dissociate itself from these plans. It also informs the public that the DSS cannot be involved in unscrupulous activities inimical to the elections. The Service is at the fore front of ensuring election security and wishes to reiterate its commitment, professionalism, peaceful disposition and support for the electoral process.
“For the umpteenth time, it warns that it will not tolerate any form of unlawful acts from any quarters and will stop at nothing to deal decisively with unscrupulous elements engaged in violent activities during and after the exercise.”
He further said: “Members of the public should disregard any insinuations, fake news and outright misinformation on impersonation and illegal use of DSS personnel.
“The Chief of Defence Staff at the briefing of Service Chiefs on February 14, 2019, had alerted of plans by some politicians to dress thugs in military uniforms and use them to cause security breaches during the elections.”
The spokesperson assured that, “The DSS will continue to work with sister security agencies and critical stakeholders to implement all counter measures that have been put in place to ensure the success of the polls. The Service reassures residents and voters of their safety before, during and after the elections.”
