Take It Back Movement Coordinator Accuses DSS of Intimidation in Bauchi

 

The Bauchi State coordinator of the Take It Back Movement has accused operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) of alleged intimidation and undue pressure over his civic activities.

The coordinator, Bashi, described the alleged actions of the security operatives as “informal pressure and unlawful intimidation”.

He called on members of the public, human rights organisations and international observers to take note of the incident.

“I want the general public, human rights organizations, and international observers to be fully aware of this informal pressure and unlawful intimidation by state security agents in Bauchi,” he said.

Bashi maintained that participation in civic and political activities should not expose activists to harassment by security agencies.

He also held the DSS responsible for his safety and well-being, expressing concern over his personal liberty and physical security.

“Civic engagement is not a crime, and I hold the DSS fully responsible for my safety, personal liberty, and physical well-being,” he added.

The Take It Back Movement is involved in civic and political advocacy, including campaigns on governance, human rights and economic hardship.

According to SaharaReporters, efforts to obtain the DSS’s response to the allegations were unsuccessful as of the time of filing the report. Calls to the telephone number reportedly used by the DSS officer to contact Bashi were not answered.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and the DSS’s response was not available at the time of the report.