The State Security Service (SSS), self-styled as the Department of State Services (DSS), is the number one domestic intelligence agency of Nigeria. It is primarily responsible for intelligence gathering within the country and for the protection of senior government officials, particularly the President and state governors.

DSS is one of three successor organisations to the National Security Organization (NSO), dissolved in 1986. It operates as a department within the presidency and is under the control of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

Recommended: List Of Directors General Of The Nigeria SSS (DSS) Since 1976 To Date

History Of The DSS / SSS

Fulfilling one of the promises made in his first national address as president, Ibrahim Babangida in June 1986 issued Decree Number 19, dissolving the National Security Organization (NSO) and re-structuring Nigeria’s security services into three separate entities under the Office of the Co-ordinator of National Security. The State Security Service (SSS) was made responsible for domestic intelligence, with Director General Ismaila Gwarzo and Deputy Director Lt. Col. A.K. Togun. The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) handled external intelligence and counterintelligence. The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) was responsible for military-related intelligence outside and inside Nigeria.

How To Join The Nigeria State Security Service (SSS)

The first headquarters of the agency was located at 15, Awolowo road, Ikoyi in Lagos; this site currently houses the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The SSS headquarters was finally moved to Abuja during the regime of General Sani Abacha, the headquarters complex is informally known as the “Yellow House”, it is located on the northern edge of the three-arms zone on Aso drive in Maitama, Abuja.