Director-General (DG), Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Yusuf Bichi, has warned “unpatriotic elements” against actions that constitute threats to national security.
The DG called on members of the public to join hands with security and other law enforcement agencies to enthrone peace and order in the country.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony for participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC 13) at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Abuja yesterday, Bichi said the secret service would ensure that the unity and corporate existence of the country remained inviolable.
A total of 50 participants from the security and intelligence sector, para-military and other agencies graduated from the 10-month course which commenced at the NISS on February 10 this year.
Among the graduands who were awarded fellow, security institute (fsi) were two participants from Ghana, and the Gambia.
Bichi enjoined the graduands to bring the knowledge acquired during the period of their study to bear on their various places of work in a bid to enhance security and public safety.
He said: “We must not let selfish people with greedy interests destroy our collective heritage. We must not allow unpatriotic elements to bring our country down.
“So, let us unite individually and collectively to address our challenges and build a better nation for ourselves, our children and their generation.
“We all have contributions to make in ensuring that Nigeria becomes safe, peaceful and developed. “The criticisms about the security agencies, people don’t appreciate where we were and where we are now.
“Gone are the days that when you enter a mosque or church and find a polythene bag, you are scared. In fact, you will never be comfortable praying with that bag around.
“That is now history, and it is through the combined efforts of the security agencies and other stakeholders that we were able to achieve that.
“You go to a place of relaxation, and you are scared of explosives here and there. That, now, is history.
“Those calling for the dismantling of this country are deliberately not being mindful of what is on their dining table.
“Forget about colonialism. Students of history will tell you that, whether colonialism or no colonialism.” He assured that that such times would not return again.
