The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied the claim
by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) that its official slapped
an airport worker.
FAAN had alleged that Safiyanu Abba, head of the DSS at the
Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport in Abuja, stopped an aviation officer from
searching a visitor who set off a metal detector.
In a tweet on Wednesday, the aviation agency added that
during the incident which took place on July 17, Abba slapped the aviation
security officer.
“We note with dismay that Safiyanu Abba, the head of DSS at
NAIA, deliberately obstructed airport security process, and slapped an aviation
security officer who was performing his duty,” the tweet by FAAN read.
However, Peter Afunanya, DSS spokesman, has denied the
allegation.
In a statement, he said the DSS promotes cordial relations
with other agencies, and prioritises good conduct among members of its staff.
“The attention of the Department of State Services has been
drawn to the official release by FAAN that its staff was assaulted by the DSS
Head of Formation at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. FAAN also
accused him of breaching security protocol at the Airport. So far, it has not
been established that any FAAN staff was assaulted,” Afunanya said.
“DSS personnel are well mannered and could not have slapped
or fought a worker of another agency.
“The news, as reported by sections of the media, has left an
impression that is not factual and should therefore be disregarded.
“For the record, no DSS staff fought or engaged in any acts
prejudicial to discipline or inimical to public safety at the Airport under
reference.”
He said there is a smooth relationship between both
agencies, adding the DSS would not join issues with FAAN.
“In line with its statutory duties, the Service recognizes
the Airports as one of the country’s most important assets and has remained at
the forefront of protecting them and other critical ones. It takes their
security seriously and cannot breach it,” he said.
“As a strategic partner, the Service holds FAAN and its
staff in good esteem. Both agencies have, over time, enjoyed robust working
relationship in the areas of training and exchange programmes. For these
reasons, the DSS will not join issues with it.
“It is believed that there are other avenues than the social
media to resolve any misunderstanding among staff of two agencies that have had
long history of unity of purpose in the execution of their mandates.
“It should be noted that the Service and the DGSS place
premium on effective interagency collaboration needed to achieve positive
outcomes for good of the nation and citizens.”
The spokesman urged the “travelling public” to go about
their normal business, and assured them of the agencies’ commitment to ensuring
safety at airports.
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