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Don’t sabotage war on terrorism, NEYGA warns, lauds DSS
By Francesca Hangeior
The Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) has cautioned against actions that could undermine Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, expressing concern over what it described as an emerging campaign to discredit the Department of State Services (DSS) and weaken public confidence in the agency.
In a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja, NEYGA spokesperson Ibrahim Dan-Musa commended the DSS for its vital role in ensuring national stability and combating banditry and terrorism.
Dan-Musa dismissed recent reports allegedly from unidentified local hunters accusing DSS operatives of misusing advanced telephone tracking technology, describing them as baseless and part of a smear campaign.
“The reports claimed that the technology, meant to aid in the rescue of kidnap victims, was instead being used by some operatives to extort money from criminals in exchange for concealing their locations.
“While we do not, and certainly cannot, speak officially for the DSS, we must state without fear of contradiction that such stories were fabricated to tarnish the agency’s image.
“We are not surprised that this falsehood is being spread by the same self-styled activist who falsely accused the DSS of abducting civil rights activist, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, to serve certain political interests. Comrade Austin has since disowned the said activist and publicly apologized for his unfounded allegations against the northern governor.”
The group also recalled how the same “activist,” in a viral video, falsely accused the DSS of invading the Federal High Court on the day the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned former Governor Yahaya Bello.
“It turned out that no DSS operative was anywhere near the court on the said day,” the group pointed out.
“We cannot thank President Bola Tinubu enough for appointing a thoroughbred professional like Mr. Tosin Ajayi as Director General of the DSS. From the agency’s remarkable exploits since Ajayi assumed office, we are proud to say that President Tinubu made an excellent choice.
“We in the North are particularly pleased with the relentless efforts of the DSS to make the North and the rest of Nigeria safer. Very recently, Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa publicly praised the DSS—not only for seizing large caches of arms and arresting or neutralizing scores of bandits and kidnappers, but also for securing the release of kidnapped Roman Catholic priests,” the group said.
“All of these achievements poke holes in the tissue of lies being peddled by the self-styled activist,” it stressed.
The group further highlighted an incident from 2018, when a court awarded ₦10 million in damages against the DSS over the 2016 accidental shooting in Bauchi of a businessman originally from Sokoto.
“No Director General agreed to pay the compensation until Tosin Ajayi came into office. Not only did he pay the ₦10 million, he doubled the amount. Nothing could be more humane. We deeply commend DG Ajayi for that,” the group said.
NEYGA also recalled recent public apologies issued by several media outlets for falsely reporting that the DSS stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“The DSS’s acceptance of the apologies and decision to drop charges against the media houses is a sign of civility by the secret police, which we wholeheartedly commend,” the group added.
“We had imagined that, as a serial contestant for the office of President, this activist would be more circumspect, lie less, and demonstrate greater patriotism in the way he speaks about Nigeria—especially if, by some chance, he ends up occupying the nation’s highest office one day. Sadly, that has not been the case,” NEYGA said.
“We commend the maturity of the DSS leadership for enduring the barrage of lies constantly thrown at it by these so-called activists. Nigerians have seen through their antics and know they do not mean well for our beloved country.
“We urge the DSS not to be distracted by these merchants of falsehood and to remain steadfast on the path of making Nigeria safer,” the group said.
In a move to foster skills acquisition and promote economic empowerment, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Secretariat through the Department of Mass Education has flagged off a one-week free holiday vocational and entrepreneurship training program.
The program is a collaborative initiative of the FCT Department of Mass Education, The Potter’s Wheel Foundation, and the Nigerian Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS).
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo emphasized the Importance of skills acquisition and entrepreneurship in today’s world describing it as imperative to be self reliant , empowered and resourceful.
He highlighted the Wike- led FCT Administration’s commitment to championing the Renewed Hope Agenda adding that the initiative is a critical strategy for reducing unemployment and building resilience among Abuja residents through practical skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training.
He commended the Department on the synergy between the government and non-governmental organizations noting that it will further empower the people of the FCT with skills and knowledge that lead to viable income-generating opportunities.
He urged the participants to fully utilize the opportunity, network actively and apply themselves diligently to the various training sessions.
In her welcome address,Dr. Favour Edem -Nse,the Director, FCT Department of Mass Education said,the training aligns with Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs) and contributes significantly to reducing the number of out- of- school children, unskilled youths and unemployed women in the Federal Capital Territory.
She added that, the Department goal is not just to train but to guide participants towards becoming self – sufficient and successful entrepreneurs .
She noted that the one week free training program is a manifestation of the Department ‘s broader vision of literacy and lifelong learning.
She revealed that the Department in collaboration with The Potter’s Wheel Foundation and the Nigerian Non- Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services( NOGALSS) will train them hands on session in production of laundry soap,bleach , liquid soap, toilet and car wash , disinfectant,air freshener,snack among others as well as key entrepreneurship modules on Bookkeeping and financial management, marketing and branding with social media management.
She expressed her gratitude to the Mandate Secretary for Education and the Management for the massive support of the life changing opportunity program targeted at women,youths, children and other community residents to equip them with tools for economic self reliance .
The well attended program which drew partner organizations, staff of the Department of Mass Education and enthusiastic participants will run throughout the week with facilitators providing continued support beyond the training period.
A 28-year-old electrician, whose name has not been revealed, has been electrocuted in Oyo State at Eruwa in Ibarapa East of Oyo State.
The victim was electrocuted at the Odo Babaode area of the town.
The man was electrocuted on a high-tension cable belonging to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
The incident occurred when the victim was trying to rectify an electrical fault on the active power lines without being shut down from the feeder.
The General Manager of Oyo State Fire Service, Mr Yemi Akinyinka, who confirmed the development, said a distress call was received by the agency Wednesday afternoon.
He said, “The distressed call was reported at 15:29hrs on Wednesday, 23rd April, 2025.
“The fire personnel led by PFS1 Peluola Babatunde quickly followed the caller and on arrival at the place, we met the victim already electrocuted, and all necessary precautionary measures were observed so as to safeguard the citizens within the vicinity.
“The man was recovered and handed over to a team of police from Eruwa police Station. The incident occurred when the victim (electrician) was trying to rectify an electrical fault on the active power lines without shutting down the feeder.”
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