The Department of State Services (DSS) has held a 4-day Strategic Workshop for its State Directors of Security and Heads of Institutions at its National Headquarters, Abuja between 18th and 21st January, 2023. The workshop, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP gathered, was part of the Service’s preparedness for the general elections.
During the strategic workshop, the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu presented a keynote address on the preparation of the Commission towards the election. He assured the Service of the Commission’s determination to deliver free, fair and credible election.
Also, the Commission, through its Director of Legal, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, educated participants on the Electoral Act 2022 and its implications for Security agencies. The Service reviewed the security situation in the country and assured INEC of its support which is in line with the President’s pronouncement to the world to bequeath a free and fair election.
In the same vein, related trainings and courses have been outlined for midlevel officers. The Service’s PRO, Peter Afunanya shared: ‘For the period, a capacity building seminar in Public Relations was declared open by the DGSS today, 23rd January, 2023 for mid-level officers drawn from the State Commands. Resource persons from the media, public relations practice and the academia are participating in the seminar.’
The DGSS, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi CFR fwc used the occasions to reiterate the need for professionalism and neutrality of personnel in the discharge of the Service’s mandate before, during and after the general elections. Of note was that at the end of the strategic workshop, participants pledged to work in collaboration with sister agencies, INEC and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that peaceful elections are conducted across the country.
In a related development, NAOSNP gathered that the DSS commenced a two-week Joint Service training programme at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Abuja on 16th January, 2023. Participants are drawn from the country’s Armed Forces, Police and other law enforcement and response agencies. The Course was initiated by the Service to strengthen interagency relations in view of their separate and combined roles in the forthcoming elections. The Joint Service Course is designed to promote interagency collaboration and efficiency during the elections.
