By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja

The House of Representatives committee on national security and intelligence, said it has observed a huge reduction in crimes rate ahead of the 2023 general elections, commending the Department of State Services (DSS) for the fight against crimes through an “effective” intelligence approach.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep Sha’aban Sharada, conveyed the observation and commendation, when he led members of the committee to the DSS headquarters in Abuja, on an oversight function.

The lawmaker said kidnapping, banditry and terrorism have been reduced in the country because of the DSS’ stakeholders’ input approach in delivering its statutory mandate.

He commended the Director General of DSS, Yusuf Bichi for working to transform the service to “attain prominence” in protecting Nigerians.

“The service was informed about the committee’s interest to carry out the oversight during your recent appearance for budget defence,” he said.

“The objective of the exercise is to access or evaluate your performance in implementing the 2022 budget and it is also carried out to discharge its constitutional mandate of ensuring efficient service delivery through judicious public expenditure management.

“On behalf of our committee, it is my pleasure to express my appreciation for working with your organization cordially for over three years. The mutual corporation has facilitated the organizational achievement of crime reduction through effective intelligence service.

“I want to use this medium to convey my gratitude to the management of the state security service under the leadership of  Yusuf Bichi, a man of honour, vision and integrity. This cherished, but rare attitude in many leaders may not be unconnected with his success in transforming the service to attain prominence in the protection of lives and property in Nigeria.

“It is significant to note that the level of crime, especially kidnapping, banditry and terrorism has reduced considerably despite approaching the 2023 general election due to his inclusive approach of utilising stakeholders’ input in the delivery of its statutory mandate of the service.”

Also speaking, Adejoro Adeogun, deputy chairman of the committee, said his colleagues have had a good relationship with the DSS because of Bichi.

“It is because of you that we have a fantastic relationship with the service. He has been a fantastic person,” he said.

In his remarks, Bichi said the DSS will continue to spend its budgetary allocation judiciously, adding that “changes” would be seen when next the lawmakers visit the headquarters.

“I have to also register my appreciation to the leadership of the national assembly for their tireless support of the service,” he said.

“All that you have seen would not have been possible without your backing and support and as such we thank you immensely.

“I want to promise you that whatever amount of money you appropriated to the service will be spent judiciously and next you come you will definitely see a lot of changes.”

The lawmakers were conducted around the DSS facility by Peter Afunaya, DSS spokesperson.