DSS denies assault on FAAN staff by its officer

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

The Department of State Services (DSS) says there is no element of truth in the official release by Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) that its staff was assaulted by its Head of Formation at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.

In a statement issued, copy of which he sent to The DEFENDER Wednesday night, the Public Relations Officer of the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, said the FAAN was said to have also accused the officer breaching security protocol at the Airport.

However, the DSS Spokesman said, “So far, it has not been established that any FAAN staff was assaulted. DSS personnel are well mannered and could not have slapped or fought a worker of another agency.”

The news, as reported by sections of the media, has left an impression that is not factual and should therefore be disregarded, Afunanya urged.

“For the record, no DSS staff fought or engaged in any acts prejudicial to discipline or inimical to public safety at the Airport under reference.

“In line with its statutory duties, the Service recognizes the Airports as one of the country’s most important assets and has remained at the forefront of protecting them and other critical ones. It takes their security seriously and cannot breach it.

“As a strategic partner, the Service holds FAAN and its staff in good esteem. Both agencies have, over time, enjoyed robust working relationship in the areas of training and exchange programmes. For these reasons, the DSS will not join issues with it.

“It is believed that there are other avenues than the social media to resolve any misunderstanding among staff of two agencies that have had long history of unity of purpose in the execution of their mandates.

“It should be noted that the Service and the DGSS place premium on effective interagency collaboration needed to achieve positive outcomes for good of the nation and citizens.

“The travelling public is urged to go about their normal businesses as the Service, in conjunction with relevant authorities including FAAN, is committed to their safety,” the DSS said in the Dr. Peter Afunanya’s statement.