The Department of State Services (DSS) has debunked a viral Facebook post alleging that its operatives have arrested Evangelist Ukpo Daniel for raising a false alarm about a supposed Fulani herdsmen attack during a crusade in Agboda Village, Nasarawa State.
Describing the claim as “false and misleading,” the agency said the post was crafted to discredit the DSS and provoke unnecessary public anxiety.
In a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations, Favour Dozie, the Service clarified that it neither invited nor detained Evangelist Daniel at any point.
The DSS added that the evangelist’s wife, Elizabeth—who authored the original post—confirmed that he was actually at the Police Headquarters in Lafia and not in the custody of the DSS.
The agency cautioned that such unfounded allegations jeopardise public peace and threaten to obstruct ongoing security operations, especially at a time when Nigeria is grappling with heightened insecurity, including attacks pls on churches and schools that have resulted in deaths, abductions and widespread fear.
Amid the rising tension, a Catholic bishop in Niger State recently condemned the Federal Government for making “no meaningful effort” to rescue more than 250 schoolchildren kidnapped from a boarding facility.
The DSS urged Nigerians to rely strictly on verified information and official communication channels to prevent the spread of falsehoods capable of manipulating public perception and undermining national security.
Here is the full text of the DSS statement:
“The Department of State Services (DSS) has noted, with dismay, a false and misleading Facebook Post alleging that, it arrested Evangelist Ukpo Daniel for raising a false alarm in a video claiming that Fulani herdsmen attacked a crusade in Agboda Village, Nasarawa State.
“This claim is incorrect and appears intended to cast the Service in bad light as well as steer public tension.
“For clarity, Evangelist Ukpo Daniel was never invited nor arrested by the DSS. His spouse, Elizabeth, who originated the Post, when contacted, confirmed that she was with him at the Police Headquarters, Lafia.
“Therefore, the Service views such misrepresentations in ways that could inflame tension or disrupt ongoing operations, seriously.
“Consequently, the Service advises the public to depend on verified information and communication channels to stem the spate of disinformation that may be exploited to further distort national security.”
