Gentlemen of the Press, good evening.
2- 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 Even as NSA, such guards should have been withdrawn after his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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. The
Management wants 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.
11. Happy Eid-el-Fitri to you and indeed, all Nigerians.
12. Thank you.
Sgd
Tony OPUIYO
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