JUST IN: Masked DSS Operatives Take Over Security In NASS

Following the invasion of the Senate chamber and the removal of mace by suspected thugs on April 18, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have on Wednesday, taken over guard duties at the nation’s apex legislative body. Recall that the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, while reading out Senate resolutions on the invasion called for improved security within the precinct of the National Assembly. Saraki who described the event as an assault on democracy and the rule of law, demanded that the leadership of the Nigerian police and the DSS must do more to prevent a reoccurrenc of the situation. Heading the directive, journalists and bureaucratic staff of the legislature were greeted with a heavy presence of police and DSS operatives manning various entry and exit points in and around the complex. While there were regularly dressed police operatives, the DSS operatives were spotted wearing full combat gear and face masks. Even the number of DSS men guarding the Senate President has been increased from what previously obtained. They all wore the face masks. It is however not clear if the increased security presence would be sustained through out the life of the 8th Assembly, and whether the role of the Sergeant-at-arm personnel would be curtailed.]]>