DSS, NIA Probe NFF Over Alleged National Security Sabotage

The Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) are investigating allegations that some senior officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may be working with foreign interests to undermine Nigeria’s national security, according to a security source.

The source, who disclosed this on Tuesday, said the two intelligence agencies had intercepted what was described as “highly disturbing” communications between some NFF officials and foreign nationals.

The source said the alleged communications were considered capable of creating security challenges for the country, adding that the investigation went beyond allegations of financial impropriety.

Asked whether the probe was connected to the N17 billion intervention fund approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2024 to help the NFF settle outstanding payments owed to the country’s national teams, the source said such matters fell within the jurisdiction of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“It is true that President Bola Tinubu in 2024 approved N17 billion as a special intervention fund to help NFF clear outstanding payments owed to Nigeria’s national teams.

However, that falls within the purview of the EFCC, not the DSS and NIA,” the source said.