DSS Dismisses 115 Officers in Major Reforms to Restore Discipline

In a decisive move to reinforce professionalism and accountability within Nigeria’s premier intelligence agency, the Department of State Services (DSS) announced the dismissal of 115 officers and personnel. The action, which is part of ongoing reforms, aims to restore trust, uphold ethical standards, and address concerns over misconduct within the agency, officials said.

According to official sources, the dismissals were carried out over an extended period, reflecting a sustained internal effort to weed out misconduct, corruption, and insubordination among staff ​. The DSS further issued a public advisory warning Nigerians to verify any claims of official contact, stressing that impostors frequently exploit the agency’s reputation for nefarious purposes ​.

The latest purge is seen as a response to mounting calls from civil society groups and political stakeholders urging reform of Nigeria’s security apparatus. Critics have previously accused the DSS of abuse of power and lack of transparency—accusations that the agency now seeks to counter through this extensive internal cleansing ​.

In conjunction with the dismissals, the DSS arrested two dismissed officers—Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin—who were engaging in impersonation and fraudulent activities. These arrests underscore the agency’s commitment to rooting out criminal elements from within its ranks and preventing misuse of its authority ​.

To prevent impersonation, the DSS has published the identities of the dismissed officers on its official platforms, urging the public to report suspicious individuals claiming to represent the agency. This step aims to safeguard citizens from potential scams and ensure clarity regarding official security procedures ​.

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This crackdown aligns with a broader governmental initiative to overhaul Nigeria’s intelligence and security services. Civil rights advocates have long called for reforms rooted in transparency and accountability, emphasizing that credible security institutions are vital for Nigeria’s stability and democratic governance ​.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges, the DSS’s reform efforts represent a significant step toward restoring professionalism and public trust. Stakeholders will closely monitor whether these measures translate into more effective, respectful, and accountable security operations nationwide.