residences of Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser, saying that it found
“incriminating” evidence during its operation.
The secret police, also known as Department of State Service (DSS), said there was
suspicion that Dasuki was involved in “treasonable felony”.
In a statement signed by Tony Opiuyo and released on behalf of the agency on
Saturday night, SSS said it recovered seven high caliber rifles (high assault weapons),
several magazines and military related gears.
The team also recovered 12 new vehicles, out of which five were bullet-proof, it said,
adding that these vehicles “which are all exotic vehicles were retrieved from Sambo’s
residence having failed to produce evidence of ownership”.
SSS asked: “What could he be doing with five bullet proof cars as a retired NSA? These
cars which from all available evidence were purchased with tax payers money, were
being kept for possible sinister enterprise.”
The agency also said the lethal arms and the vehicles recovered were not reflected in
Sambo’s handover notes, asking: “What could a former NSA be doing with destructive
weapons and bullet proof cars which put together could disrupt the peace of any city in
Nigeria for a while?”
THE FULL TEXT OF THE PRESS STATEMENT
On 16th July, 2015, about 1650 hours, based on credible intelligence linking the
immediate past NSA, Mohammed Sambo DASUKI (Col Rtd) with alleged plans to commit
treasonable felony against the Nigerian State, operatives of the Department of State
Services (DSS) conducted a search on the properties belonging to the former NSA,
Mohammed Sambo DASUKI (Col Rtd). The properties are on Nos. 13, John Khadya
Street, Nos. 46, Nelson Mandela Street, both at Asokoro, Abuja, and Nos. 3 Sabon Birni
Road, Gwiwa Area, Sokoto, Sokoto State.
The search operations was planned to be simultaneously conducted, but DASUKI,
refused the operatives entry into his main residence located at No. 13 John Khadya
Street, Asokoro, despite being presented with a genuine and duly signed search warrant.
Consequently, what was to last not more than two (2) hours, lasted more than ten (10)
hours, up till the early hours of 17th July, 2015. Indeed if not for the sense of maturity
and professionalism of the officers and men assigned this task and the very good
understanding and timely intervention of the new Chief of Army Staff, Tsukur Y. BURATAI
(Maj Gen), there would have been a clash between the Army operatives guarding the
house and Service operatives, as SAMBO directed the soldiers on duty not to allow any
movement into his house, despite the subsisting court order. SAMBO thereafter raised a
false alarm to the military authorities to come to his aid as he failed to correctly tell
the military that his property was about to be legitimately searched.
Gentlemen, please recall that SAMBO retired from the Army as a Colonel, and therefore
not entitled to have military guards, if not for the fact he was NSA. Even as NSA, such
guards should have been withdrawn after his removal as NSA since he would not have
been entitled.
The search was thoroughly conducted, and several items recovered, among which were
some incriminating items. These include seven (7) high caliber rifles, (high assault
weapons), several magazines and military related gears.
The team also recovered twelve (12) new vehicles, out of which five (5) were bullet
proofs. These vehicles which are all exotic vehicles were retrieved from SAMBO’s
residence having failed to produce evidence of ownership. For instance, what could he
be doing with five (5) bullet proof cars as a retired NSA?. These cars which from all
available evidence were purchased with tax payers money, were being kept for possible
sinister enterprise.
The Service would want to state categorically that this search operation is not a witch
hunt. The Service decided to move at this time in line with current Management resolve
to be proactive and pre-empt individuals with penchant for impunity and lawlessness
from putting back the nation to the dark days. The Service is also aware that the lethal
arms and the vehicles recovered were not reflected in SAMBO’s handover notes or what
could a former NSA be doing with destructive weapons and bullet proof cars which put
together could disrupt the peace of any city in Nigeria for a while.
On the search of his three (3) properties, including the Sokoto residence, the Service is
aware that in his capacity and given his antecedents, he might decide to use any of his
residences for such diabolical plans, rather than his main residence.
Gentlemen of the press, the Service Management would want to assure members of the
public that it would not trample on the freedom of individuals or groups as guaranteed
by the Nigerian Constitution and emphasized by the current administration’s position on
transparency, and probity underlined by justice and equity for all Nigerians. This is the
driving force for all DSS operations. However, the Service would not hesitate to go after
any person or group of persons, no matter how highly placed once such individual (s)
breach or attempt to breach the laws of the Federation. The days for impunity and
indecisiveness in the face of unpatriotic acts by individuals operating against the State
are over. The Service hereby appeal to all Nigerians to be law abiding and partner with
it in ensuring a peaceful and secured nation. In the same vein, those that are bent on
breaking the rules governing our peaceful co-existence due to either the huge ill gotten
wealth they have acquired or imaginary hold they think they have on our nation’s
survival, are being warned to rethink. The DSS will use all constitutional means as
defined by its mandate to deal decisively with such unpatriotic individuals.
The Management want to seize this opportunity to appreciate Nigerians for the
tremendous acts of goodwill that is being extended to the new dispensation. The
Management also wish to assure Nigerians that the gesture and confidence being
expressed will be reciprocated with more dedication and service to our dear country
Nigeria.
Source : The Cable
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