Biafra: From Guardians To Gangsters The Deterioration Of Nigeria's State

             Biafra: From Guardians To Gangsters The Deterioration Of Nigeria's State 

■ Author: Chinonso Igwebuike Mbah

■ Twitter:@umuchiukwu

■ 24.08.2023 

Security Service from lack of professionalism, disrespect for the citizenry, and defiance of court orders among other misconducts, the State Security Service (SSS) has veered away from its intended purpose, hence, urgent attention is needed to address this concerning development and rid the supposedly guardian agency of gangsterism. 

The State Security Service (SSS), also known as the Department of State Services (DSS), traces its origins back to pre-colonial Nigeria. Formally established in 1948, it emerged as the "E" Department (Special Branch) within the Office of the Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force. 

Also Read, The Need To Uphold And Preserve The Command And Control Structure Of IPOB

The agency, commonly known as DSS, is one of the successors of the National Security Organization (NSO) and operates under the Nigerian Presidency. Its activities are overseen by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), headquartered in Abuja. The SSS was established to safeguard the Federal Republic of Nigeria from internal threats, uphold and enforce criminal laws, and maintain order. However, it's disheartening to observe that the SSS, under both past and present administrations, has devolved into a gangster-like agency. 

Their behaviour lacks professionalism and respect for the judiciary, often resembling unruly individuals found in Lagos motor parks. In contrast to the FBI and MI6 in the Western world, as well as similar agencies in developed African countries, which combat criminals and gather intelligence, the Nigerian SSS has taken a different path. Rather than targeting criminal elements, they appear to focus on perceived political opponents and activists. 

The SSS, meant to engage in intelligence gathering like Israel's Mossad, now serves as a tool for corrupt Nigerian politicians. Today, the SSS in Nigeria has become a subject of mockery. Its personnel act unruly, disregarding court orders and intimidating civilians. It is as if they are only a step away from setting up roadblocks to extort motorists like the Nigerian Police. Over the years, the SSS has shown both ordinary Nigerians and the global community that it is a largely ineffective federal agency characterized by a culture of gangsterism. This clueless agency disregards the principles of the rule of law. 

The agency's blatant disregard for the law suggests that they believe themselves to be above the nation's laws. One wonders why the Nigerian judiciary has not taken more substantial actions against these executive arm gangsters. 

Also Read, The Federal Government Of Nigeria Supports Terrorism

Remarkably, a supposedly intelligence-gathering agency tasked with protecting the government from external threats has devolved into an entity that crudely disrespects the judiciary and citizens alike. Such reckless behaviour would not be tolerated in any sane democratic state but unfortunately, Nigeria is an exception. 

The Ahmed Bola Tinubu administration must address the SSS's several undisciplined conducts and ensure it operates within the law as a lawless agency cannot adequately enforce the law. 

Written by Chinonso Igwebuike Mbah 

Edited By Ozioma Onwe 

Published By Umuchiukwu Writer