An amalgamation of civil society groups in Nigeria has expressed concern over claims attributed to former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, in his recently published book, Man’s Journey Behind the Shield.

In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Wale Adegoke, Convener, and Comrade Musa Abdullahi, Secretary, the groups said they found several assertions in the publication controversial and questioned what they described as the credibility of some of the narratives presented.

According to the groups:

“In the contemporary history of the Nigerian intelligence community, certain names continue to ring a bell. These include the late IGP M.D. Yusuf, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, Chief A.K. Horsfall, Alhaji Gambo Jimeta, General Aliyu Gusau, General Haliru Akilu, the late Rear Admiral Tunde Elegbede, Air Vice Marshal Idi Musa, Colonel A.K. Togun, Colonel Ibrahim Sabo, Colonel Isaac Nnona, Colonel J.K. Olu, Colonel C.K. Emein, the late CP Abubakar Tsav, Colonel M.I. Bawa, Major Shaibu Galma, among several others of blessed memory.

“These were thoroughly trained professionals who served Nigeria with patriotism, professionalism, integrity, and unwavering dedication to national service.”

The groups questioned what they described as Amachree’s attempt to place himself among some of Nigeria’s most prominent intelligence professionals, arguing that many former senior officers maintained strict professional ethics both during and after their years of service.

They further stated that, in their view, Amachree’s professional standing within the intelligence community did not place him in the same category as several former Directors-General and senior intelligence figures, including Peter Nwadua, Colonel Kayode Are, Major Emohe, and Afakriya Gadzama.

The groups also raised questions regarding Amachree’s account of his alleged involvement in investigations relating to claims surrounding the death of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

According to the statement:

“Firstly, he wrote about his role in the investigation of a woman who allegedly claimed that former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, died on top of her. As an Assistant Director posted to the Shangisha, Lagos State office of the DSS, far removed from both the Awolowo Road Annex and the Service Headquarters in Abuja, it raises legitimate questions regarding the extent of his involvement in such a nationally sensitive matter.”

The groups argued that the book did not sufficiently acknowledge the roles allegedly played by other senior intelligence officers and security agencies involved in investigations surrounding the death of a serving Head of State.

They also criticised Amachree’s comments regarding former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.

According to the groups:

“Professor Pantami was never on the wanted list of any intelligence agency in Nigeria or elsewhere. He was equally never invited for questioning on account of his sermons or religious expressions.”

The groups contended that opposition to Pantami’s ministerial appointment was politically motivated and alleged that previous campaigns against him were intended to frustrate his emergence and growing political relevance.

They further argued that intelligence assessments are dynamic and subject to review in light of changing circumstances, citing practices in intelligence institutions across different countries.

The statement alleged that efforts to revisit issues surrounding Pantami were part of what the groups described as continuing attempts by his critics to undermine his reputation and political prospects.

According to the groups:

“Pantami’s political opponents are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the goodwill and support he continues to enjoy as speculation grows regarding his possible participation in the 2027 Gombe State governorship election.”

The groups also accused Amachree of presenting what they described as a selective narrative in the book.

They questioned the absence of extensive discussion on issues such as the assassination of Rear Admiral Tunde Elegbede, the killing of Chief Harry Marshall, the controversy involving Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor’s aircraft during an arms procurement investigation, and the conviction of military officers linked to the diversion of arms from the Nigerian Army Ordnance Depot in Kaduna.

The groups further argued that the publication devoted significant attention to issues they considered less relevant to contemporary intelligence discourse, while paying insufficient attention to developments relating to Niger Delta militancy before and after the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

Concluding the statement, the groups described the publication as politically motivated and maintained that the references to both the late General Sani Abacha and Professor Pantami were unfair and provocative.

They also alleged that Professor Pantami remains the target of interests opposed to reforms and policies associated with his period in public office.

The groups urged Nigerians to critically assess the narratives contained in the publication and to consider what they described as the broader political context surrounding the issues raised in the book.