The Good Governance Monitoring and Initiatives, GGMI, has commended the State Security Service, SSS, over its professional handling of the recent #Endgovernance governance protest.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the protest, which took place between August 1 and 10, led to heavy casualties, mass looting, and destruction of public and private properties in the northern part of the country.
However, in a statement signed by its national coordinator, Nafiu Khalid, the group commended the SSS for containing the activities of subversive elements who intended to use the protest to perpetrate criminal acts.
While justifying the arrests made by the SSS, Mr Khalid said the service handled the issue in line with the provisions of the Nigerian constitution.
“The movement condemned those accusing the SSS of acting unlawfully, emphasising their continued support for the security agency and other organisations in ensuring that anyone who disregards the law faces the consequences.
“It’s worth noting that the DSS has a mandate to protect and defend the Federal Republic of Nigeria against domestic threats, uphold and enforce criminal laws, and provide leadership and criminal justice services to federal and state law enforcement agencies.
“DSS has been involved in various operations, including counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts.”
The coordinator also praised the director general of the SSS, Tosin Ajayi, for ordering the release of innocent victims arrested during the mass action.
“This has further proved the DG’s resoluteness in upholding the mandate of the Service of decisively investigating and bringing to justice those who exploit such rights to perpetrate crime.”
