After an intensive four-day strategic workshop, the Department of State Services (DSS) gave a renewed assurance to Nigerians that it will work with other sister agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that peaceful elections are conducted across the country. This further strengthens President Muhamamdu Buhari’s resolve to bequeath a free and fair election as a legacy.

The nation’s secret police made the pledge after hosting a strategic workshop with state Directors and Head of institutions and a capacity building seminar in public Relations for mid-level officers in Abuja.

A statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, Mr. Peter Afunanya PhD after the strategic workshop said both the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu and Director of Legal, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, presented papers to participants on the Electoral Act 2022 and its implications for Security agencies.

Prof Yakubu in a keynote address on the preparation of the Commission towards the election assured the Service of the Commission’s determination to deliver free, fair and credible election.

According to Dr Afunanya, 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 adding that the workshop was part of the Service’s preparedness for the general election.

As part of related trainings and courses outlined for personnel for the period, Dr Afunanya said a capacity building seminar in Public Relations was declared open by the DGSS today, for mid-level officers drawn from the State Commands.

The Director General of DSS, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi 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.

In a related development, the DSS on 16th January, 2023, commenced a two-week Joint Service training programme at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Abuja, where participants were drawn from the country’s Armed Forces, Police and other law enforcement and response agencies.

The Course was initiated by the DSS to strengthen inter-agency relations in view of their separate and combined roles in the forthcoming elections.

According to Dr Afunanya the Joint Service Course was designed to promote inter-agency collaboration and efficiency during the elections.