Operatives of the Directorate of State Service (DSS) yesterday night arrested former national security adviser (NSA), Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd) in his private residence at Asokoro, Abuja.
Abusidiqu has reported yesterday that the DSS operatives laid siege of the Abuja residence of the ex-NSA. The operatives led by one Mohammed stormed the house at about 6:40pm, but were prevented from gaining entrance into the premises.
The operatives however insisted on seeing the ex-NSA, prompting them to threaten to force their way into the house.
The DSS operatives later in the night gained entry into the residence of the former NSA and placed him on “house arrest”.
A security source last night confirmed the development, but no reason was given for his arrest as at press time.
Sources however said that the invasion of the erstwhile NSA’s home may not be unconnected with media reports of a planned probe of the defence budget and other alleged abuses of office by the immediate-past service chiefs who were relieved of their duties this week.
The former NSA coordinated the war against terrorism and his office received billions naira to prosecute the counter-insurgency operations against the violent Boko Haram sect.
“You know Dasuki had planned to resign immediately there was a change of government but President Muhammadu Buhari refused to accept because he wanted to clear the Augean Stable in the defence sector.
The security source confirmed that Dasuki might be investigated on the following issues:
- all sources of funding of the campaign against Boko Haram;
- purchase of arms from Russia and its cost;
- training of the members of the Special Force;
- why the seized $15m was hauled in cash to South Africa to the embarrassment of the nation;
- what informed the recruitment of South African mercenaries as fighters in Sambisa Forest, Gwoza and some parts of Adamawa and Yobe states; and
- why Nigeria rejected military assistance from the US and the UK against Boko Haram.
“Buhari’s position is that all the former Service Chiefs must account for every budget for operations in the last five years. He has been disturbed about reports of corrupt practices by some Service Chiefs.”
On the fate of the other service chiefs sacked by Buhari, the source said “they have been placed on close monitoring”.
The security source added: “They are all under close watch and their movement will be restricted to the country. In any case, by military rules, they are already on the Reserve List. Technically, they are still in service and can be recalled to answer questions on their tenure.”
The DSS spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar could not be reached for comment as she did not respond to calls to her phone. A text message sent to her failed to deliver.
