Malachy Uzendu
28 September 2007
Abuja — Three persons suspected to be engaging in espionage activities have been arrested by men of the State Security Services (SSS).
Sources at the National Security Adviser's office (NSA) in Abuja told our correspondent that the leader of the gang, a well-known lady, and her alleged collaborators are now being interrogated by the SSS.
It was gathered that the suspects were arrested while filming parts of the Niger Delta area of the country and had been gathering information seen as security threat for which they are being detained for explanations.
It was learnt that one man (names withheld) who claimed to be the executive director of Academic Associates Peaceworks (AAP) and secretary of another non-governmental organization (NGO) known as Civil Society Partnership for Democracy (CISPAD) was among those arrested.
According to the NSA sources, "the SSS was already investigating the AAP and CISPAD activities and there is a strong belief that the body is involved in serious espionage activities in the country.
"Well-known and highly connected in the diplomatic circles, the man is said to have invited two Germans, on September 21 to take simulated films on acts of terrorism in the Niger Delta region without official permits and the films recovered from them are currently being studied.
"From the information so far gathered, SSS believes that the network is involved in several activities characterized as espionage, which is a serious security breach in the country.
"All his antecedents have revealed that her espionage activities have led to a lot of exploitation in the Niger Delta.
"The two Germans have also admitted to filming and interviewing many people in the Niger Delta without clearance from the Nigerian government," the sources stated.
When contacted on the above issue the Public Relations Officer of the SSS, Mallam Ado Muazu confirmed the development adding that the agency was reviewing information so far obtained from the suspects.
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