The Department of State Services has once again cautioned Nigerians against falling victim to fraudsters posing as officials of the agency, after identifying a dismissed staff allegedly using the Service’s name to deceive unsuspecting citizens.
In a statement released on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, @OfficialDSSNG, on Sunday, the agency named the suspect as Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, a former officer reportedly involved in “unscrupulous activities,” including impersonation and fraud.
“The Department of State Services hereby alerts members of the public of the activities of one Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, a dismissed staff. He is reportedly engaging in unscrupulous activities, including using the name of the Service to defraud unsuspecting members of the public,” the statement read.
The secret police urged Nigerians to avoid any dealings with the suspect, emphasizing that all official matters concerning the Service should be directed through verified communication channels.
“The public is advised to desist from engaging with him in any capacity. All legitimate enquiries and complaints should be routed through the DSS’s verified contacts,” the agency warned.
This development comes just four days after the DSS issued a similar alert regarding Barry Donald, another dismissed officer accused of impersonating the Service for fraudulent purposes.
Founded in 1986, the DSS serves as Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency, with responsibilities covering internal security, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism operations.
The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians from fraudsters exploiting its name, assuring that it will continue to expose such individuals and prosecute them where necessary.
