The Department of State Services (DSS) has strongly debunked viral social media reports claiming it arrested Nigerian evangelist Ukpo Daniel for allegedly raising a false alarm about a supposed Fulani herdsmen attack during a crusade in Agboda Village, Nasarawa State.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the DSS described the circulating Facebook post as “false and misleading,” adding that it appeared deliberately crafted to cast the agency “in bad light” and stir unnecessary public tension.
The clarification was issued by Favour Dozie, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at the DSS National Headquarters in Abuja.

DSS: ‘We Never Arrested Him’

The security agency made it clear that Evangelist Ukpo Daniel was never invited or arrested by the DSS in connection with the viral video.

According to the statement:

“Evangelist Ukpo Daniel was never invited nor arrested by the DSS. His spouse, Elizabeth, who originated the post, when contacted, confirmed that she was with him at the police headquarters, Lafia.”

The DSS emphasized that misreporting security matters can be dangerous, particularly when such misinformation is capable of heightening fear or disrupting ongoing operations.

Warning Against Disinformation

The agency warned the public against spreading false claims that could inflame tension, urging Nigerians to rely strictly on verified information.

The statement further read:

“The Service views such misrepresentations in ways that could inflame tension or disrupt ongoing operations, seriously.”

It concluded with a call for responsible information sharing:

“Consequently, the Service advises the public to depend on verified information and communication channels to stem the spate of disinformation that may be exploited to further distort national security.”

Police Also Debunk Attack Claim

The DSS clarification follows earlier denials from the Nasarawa State Police Command, which refuted claims that Fulani herdsmen had attacked a crusade in Agboda Village.

Police spokesperson SP Ramhan Nansel explained that the incident being circulated online was misrepresented. According to the police, it was an isolated robbery that resulted in a motorcyclist being injured — not an attack on worshippers.

The police and DSS are now urging citizens to avoid promoting unverified security claims, especially on social media.