Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Department of State Services (DSS) has changed its officers and personnel to be neutral and display professional conduct during the exercise.

The charge is the high point of a four -day capacity building workshop held in Abuja Nigeria's capital.

The workshop was part of the Service’s preparedness for the general elections.

The Service reviewed the security situation in the country and assured INEC of its support which is in line with the President Muhammadu Buhari's pronouncement to the world to bequeath a free and fair election.

Speaking at the workshop, the DGSS, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi used the occasions to reiterate the need for professionalism and neutrality of personnel in the discharge of the Service’s mandate before, during and after the general elections.

DSS' Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya PhD, in a press statement on Monday, said,

"Of note was that at the end of the strategic workshop, participants pledged to work in collaboration with sister agencies, INEC and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that peaceful elections are conducted across the country".

In the statement titled: AHEAD OF 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS, DSS HOLDS STRATEGIC WORKSHOP FOR ITS STATE DIRECTORS AND HEADS OF INSTITUTIONS,

Afunanya noted,

"Between 18th and 21st January, 2023, the Department of State Services (DSS) at its National Headquarters, Abuja held a four day Strategic Workshop for its State Directors of Security and Heads of Institutions.

"During the exercise, the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu presented a keynote address on the preparation of the Commission towards the election. He assured the Service of the Commission's determination to deliver free, fair and credible election. "Also, the Commission, through its Director of Legal, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, educated participants on the Electoral Act 2022 and its implications for Security agencies.

"As part of related trainings and courses outlined for personnel for the period, a capacity building seminar in Public Relations was declared open by the DGSS today, 23rd January, 2023 for mid-level officers drawn from the State Commands".

Afunanya added, "In a related development, the DSS on 16th January, 2023, commenced a two week Joint Service training programme at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Abuja. "Participants are drawn from the country's Armed Forces, Police and other law enforcement and response agencies. "The Course was initiated by the Service to strengthen interagency relations in view of their separate and combined roles in the forthcoming elections. "The Joint Service Course is designed to promote interagency collaboration and efficiency during the elections".

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