DSS Knocks Ex-Minister Chidoka Over Comment On Its Activities

The Department of State Services (DSS) has slammed a former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, over his comment on its activities at curbing the nation’s worsening insecurity.

Naija News earlier reported that Chidoka had in an interview on Arise TV News condemned the DSS for failing to address the security challenges facing the country.

Chidoka, who claimed that unintelligent people are in charge of the country’s intelligence organisations, called for an overhaul of the nation’s security systems and processes.

Reacting to the former minister’s comment, DSS Spokesman, Dr Peter Afunanya, stated that the agency will not join issues with the former minister.

Afunanya, in a chat with Blueprint, said that the former minister spoke as a politician and not as a security expert during the interview.

He added that Chidoka has no history of core intelligence practice, competence or experience and showed complete ignorance in aspects of his analysis especially as it concerns the agency.

He said: “My service, the DSS, does not join issues with politicians. Intelligence activities are based on need-to-know; need-to-hold and need-to-access principles.

“For today, Chidoka is not on any of the platforms to appreciate the workings of the intelligence community or the DSS in particular. He has no history of core intelligence practice, competence or experience.

“He exhibited a lack of knowledge or complete ignorance in aspects of his analysis especially as it concerns the DSS.

“In any case, the FRSC has arguably continued to enjoy a robust relationship with the DSS based on inter-agency collaboration.”