The Department of State Security had debunked allegations by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) that the DSS Head of Formation at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja assaulted its staff.
An official release by the FAAN had also accused the DSS operative of breaching security protocols at the airport.
But in a statement, the DSS Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya said so far, it has not been established that any FAAN staff was assaulted.
According to him, DSS personnel are well mannered and could not have slapped or fought a worker of another agency, regretting that the news, as reported by sections of the media, has left an impression that is not factual and should, therefore, be disregarded.
The statement read; “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 a robust working relationship in the areas of training and exchange programmes. For these reasons, the DSS will not join issues with it.”
The service regretted that the FAAN had to engage the social media to resolve the misunderstanding instead of other more fruitful avenues, especially with the long history of the unity of purpose that has existed among the staff of the two agencies in the execution of their mandates.
The statement maintained that the Service and the DGSS place premium on effective interagency collaboration needed to achieve positive outcomes for good of the nation and citizens.
It, therefore, urged the travelling public to go about their normal businesses as the Service, in conjunction with relevant authorities including FAAN, is committed to their safety.
