Nigeria's DSS Opposes Foreign Funding of Security Operations

The Department of State Services (DSS) has rejected foreign funding for Nigeria’s security operations, arguing that such support could jeopardise national sovereignty, operational secrecy and the agency’s independence.

The stance was voiced at a public hearing in Abuja, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, which was reviewing two bills that would create a DSS Security Trust Fund and a Strategic Intelligence Management Institute.

DSS representative Emmanuel Daubry endorsed the Security Trust Fund Bill, stating that it would supply sustainable resources for intelligence gathering, counter‑terrorism operations, personnel training and the procurement of modern security equipment.

He added that the fund would enable swift mobilisation of resources during emergencies, including terrorist attacks, civil unrest and other security crises.

Nevertheless, the DSS called for clearer funding provisions and alterations to the proposed governing board.

The agency explicitly opposed foreign contributions to the trust fund, contending that external money could impose obligations that might expose sensitive intelligence operations, procurement processes and deployment strategies.

Daubry warned that “foreign donors could shape domestic security priorities in ways that may not align with Nigeria’s unique security challenges, including insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.”

Regarding the proposed Strategic Intelligence Management Institute, the DSS cautioned that its functions might overlap with those of existing institutions.

The agency recommended that the institute’s mandate be confined to external intelligence, foreign intelligence operations and international intelligence cooperation to prevent duplication.

The DSS also proposed amendments to relevant bill sections and urged revisions to its explanatory memorandum to incorporate the suggested changes.