The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the dismissal of 115 personnel as part of its ongoing internal reform and disciplinary exercise aimed at strengthening professionalism and restoring integrity within the Service. The country’s primary domestic intelligence agency made the announcement in a statement released on Tuesday, stressing that the decision was taken after a thorough internal review process.
According to the DSS, the dismissed officers were found culpable of various forms of misconduct and indiscipline inconsistent with the Service’s ethical and operational standards. The agency stated that the move reflects its zero-tolerance policy towards unprofessional conduct and reinforces its commitment to transparency, accountability, and public trust.
The Service explained that the disciplinary exercise was not sudden but followed due process, including internal investigations, administrative reviews, and necessary approvals. It added that all affected individuals have been duly informed of their dismissal in line with civil service regulations and national security protocols.
To further promote public transparency, the DSS disclosed that it has published the names and service details of the dismissed personnel on its official website. It also warned Nigerians to be wary of dismissed or retired officers who might continue to impersonate serving agents to extort or deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
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In the statement, the DSS cited two past instances where individuals identified as Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin were caught posing as active personnel to defraud citizens. The agency reaffirmed that it will not hesitate to prosecute anyone found guilty of impersonating DSS officials or misrepresenting the Service in any form.
The agency further urged the public to verify the identity of any individual claiming to be a DSS operative before engaging in official or private matters involving the Service. It provided a public contact line (09088373515) and an email address (dsspr@dss.gov.ng) for inquiries, verification, and reporting suspicious activities or cases of impersonation.
This mass dismissal, analysts say, marks one of the most sweeping internal cleanups in the history of the DSS. It underscores the current leadership’s determination to instill discipline, enhance operational efficiency, and rebuild confidence in the Service’s role as a key pillar of Nigeria’s national security architecture.
Security observers have described the move as a bold step that may inspire similar reform efforts across other security agencies, especially amid growing concerns about corruption, abuse of power, and declining professionalism within Nigeria’s law enforcement institutions. By publicly disclosing the dismissal and names of affected personnel, the DSS has sent a clear message that indiscipline will not be tolerated regardless of rank or years of service.
However, questions remain regarding the exact nature of offences that led to the dismissal of each officer and whether additional punitive or corrective actions will follow. The Service has not provided details about the regional or departmental distribution of the dismissed personnel, leaving room for further public curiosity about the broader implications of the move.
As the DSS continues its reform process, Nigerians are encouraged to cooperate with the agency by reporting suspicious activities and remaining vigilant against impersonators. The dismissal of 115 personnel serves as both a warning and a reassurance—an indication that the DSS is determined to uphold the highest standards of service, discipline, and integrity in its mission to safeguard the nation.
