The Department of State Security Services (DSS) has debunked reports suggesting that its operatives dispersed doctors at a job interview organised by Saudi Arabian officials at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja on Thursday.

In a statement on Friday, the agency described the reports as “illogical” and meant to “embarrass” the organisation.

“Though this is illogical and does not add up, sections of the media that reported it did not care to verify the news before going to print,” the statement signed by the DSS spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, added.

“No further evidence was also adduced to prove that the DSS carried out such an operation at the hotel. It is obvious that the news is only designed to embarrass the Organisation.”

The agency therefore tasked the press to get their facts right before publication so as not to “mislead the public or undermine national security”.

Brain-drain

The recruitment exercise – also held in Lagos – is one of the latest moves to poach the country’s doctors who have been at loggerheads with the Ministry of Health over their welfare and other benefits.

While different governments have in the past bargained with them, the medical doctors claim most of the agreements reached have not been implemented by the authorities.

Irked by the lack of commensurate benefits and what they described as poor working conditions, some of them have moved out of the country to places – Europe, Asia, US – where they claim provide better conditions for their trade. (Channels TV)

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