The Department of State Services has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission of a thorough security detail and a conducive atmosphere during the forthcoming general elections.
According to the Service spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, in a statement issued on Monday, the DSS, Director General, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, said this in Abuja at the opening of a 4-day strategic workshop organized by the Service for its state directors and heads of institutions.
Afunanya said the workshop which held between 18th and 21st January, 2023, was part of the Service’s preparedness for the general elections.
Vanguard reported that the Commission, through its Director of Legal Services, Oluwatoyin Babalola, also educated participants on the Electoral Act 2022 and its implications for Security agencies.
Afunanya said, “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.
“Resource persons from the media, public relations practice and the academia are participating in the seminar.
“The DGSS, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi CFR fwc 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.
“Of note was that at the end of the strategic workshop, participants pledged to work in collaboration with sister agencies, INEC and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that peaceful elections are conducted across the country.
“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.
“Participants are drawn from the country’s Armed Forces, Police and other law enforcement and response agencies. The Course was initiated by the Service to strengthen interagency relations in view of their separate and combined roles in the forthcoming elections. The Joint Service Course is designed to promote interagency collaboration and efficiency during the elections.”
