The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised alarm that some of its dismissed personnel are still posing as serving officers and carrying out illegal operations across the country.

The agency made this known in a statement released on Tuesday via its official social media handles, confirming that 115 officers had been dismissed over time as part of ongoing internal reforms.

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It warned the public to avoid any dealings with individuals claiming to represent the Service outside official channels.

“As part of the ongoing reforms in the Department of State Services (DSS), the public is hereby informed that a total of 115 personnel has been dismissed over a period,” the statement read. “Some of these former personnel have continued to parade themselves as DSS operatives and are engaged in fraudulent and illegal activities.”

The DSS identified Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin among the ex-officers still impersonating the agency to extort and deceive unsuspecting Nigerians. The Service stressed that these individuals no longer have any affiliation with the DSS and that their activities are criminal and punishable by law.

“Members of the public are advised to desist from any official dealing with these individuals who have been dismissed by the Service,” the statement added, urging citizens to verify the identity of any DSS operative through official channels.

To enhance transparency, the DSS said the names of all dismissed officers have been published on its website and encouraged the public to consult the list for verification before engaging with anyone claiming DSS affiliation.

The Service reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, noting that two of the dismissed officers are already being prepared for arraignment over fraudulent practices.

While reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and internal accountability, the DSS appealed to the public to report any cases of impersonation or illegal operations conducted in its name

“The DSS remains committed to protecting national security and upholding the law,” the statement concluded. “Anyone found impersonating the Service will be prosecuted.”