The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the arrest of two dismissed officers, Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, accused of impersonating the Service and defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the DSS said both individuals who had earlier been declared wanted in separate public notices were apprehended and would face prosecution in accordance with the law.

“The Department of State Services recently issued disclaimers on two dismissed personnel of the Service, Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin. These individuals were alleged to be cloaking under the Service to engage in fraudulent activities. The public is hereby notified that these culprits have been apprehended and will face prosecution in accordance with the law,” the statement read.

The arrests follow a series of public alerts issued by the DSS warning Nigerians against engaging with the former officers, who were dismissed from service for misconduct but continued to present themselves as active operatives.

Earlier this month, on October 13, the DSS raised the alarm over the activities of Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, accusing him of using the Service’s name to extort and defraud members of the public. Similarly, on October 8, the Service issued a separate statement warning about Barry Donald, who was also alleged to be impersonating the DSS to commit fraud.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting citizens from impostors, the Service said it is taking further steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“The Service has further resolved to publish the names of other personnel, who were dismissed in the past, to prevent citizens from falling victim of possible criminal intent of any of these individuals,” the statement added.

The DSS also urged the public to verify any official engagement with the Service through its verified communication channels and to promptly report suspicious activities involving persons claiming to represent the agency.

“We remain committed to maintaining public trust and ensuring that no impostor uses the DSS name or insignia for criminal purposes,” the agency said.

The arrests underscore the Service’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its integrity and protect Nigerians from fraudsters exploiting its identity for personal gain.