Ex-DSS director describes Abacha regime as era of repression in new memoir. A former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, has described the regime of late military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, as a period of extreme authoritarianism, political repression and widespread human rights abuses.Amachree made the remarks in his new memoir, DSS @40: My Journey Behind the Shield, excerpts of which were published by The Nation on Tuesday.According to the retired intelligence officer, Abacha’s five-and-a-half-year administration was characterised by arbitrary arrests, torture, political persecution and extrajudicial killings.
He stated that the military regime relied heavily on security agencies to suppress opposition and silence critics, creating an atmosphere of fear across the country.Amachree noted that the period remains one of the most controversial chapters in Nigeria’s political history, with many citizens subjected to intimidation and violations of their fundamental rights.The former DSS official’s account offers an insider’s perspective on the operations of the country’s intelligence service during one of Nigeria’s most turbulent political eras.His memoir is expected to contribute to ongoing discussions about the role of security institutions, governance and the protection of human rights during military rule in Nigeria.
Joseph Akwagiobe is a media contributor from Cross River State, Nigeria, currently based in Abuja. He is a graduate of Microbiology and has earned several professional certifications across diverse fields, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and excellence.