The Department of State Services (DSS) has defended its presence at the Lagos State House of Assembly, stating that its operatives were deployed at the request of the lawmakers to provide security at the complex.
Amid rising tension over the security takeover of the Assembly, which included the sealing of offices belonging to the Speaker and his Deputy, the DSS clarified that it did not storm the Assembly but responded to an official request for security reinforcement.
In a statement issued on Monday, February 17, the DSS explained that the request came through a letter from the Assembly dated February 14, 2025, citing potential threats.
According to the DSS, the letter warned of a planned attempt to forcefully reinstate the impeached Speaker of the Assembly on February 18, 2025, which could pose a security risk.
The statement included an excerpt from the letter, signed by the Acting Clerk of the AssembMr Mr. A.T.B. Ottun, and addressed to the DSS Director in Lagos and other security agencies in the state. The letter read:
“The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on the 18th of February, 2025, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members. In light of this situation, we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, 16th February, 2025, by increasing the presence of your men and observing strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.”
The DSS assured the public that its presence at the Assembly was purely for maintaining order and security, in line with the request from the lawmakers.
