The Department of State Security (DSS) has dissociated itself from Lawal Daura, its former director-general.

Daura was fired by the then Acting President Yemi Osinbajo in August 2018 for his alleged involvement in a siege on the national assembly.

There are reports that he still wields influence and controls a section of the secret police

But in a statement on Tuesday, Peter Afunaya, DSS spokesman, debunked this, warning the public not to engage with the former DG.

“The Service debunks this false belief. It warns that any person or group that further engages him or his representatives/associates does so at their own peril,” the statement read.

“The Service will not tolerate acts of impersonation designed to undermine it and will decisively deal with person(s), no matter how highly placed, that may engage in such behavior. The public should, therefore, note this and avoid circumstances under which unsuspecting persons may be deceived.”

The statement added that the service will continue to recommit itself to the core values of professionalism, selflessness, vigilance and the rule of law.

After being relieved of his duties, Daura was arrested by the police but subsequently released.