SSS traces data leakage to personnel, begins reorganisation

State Security Service has traced the leakage of its sensitive data to some of its operatives believed to have links with a terrorist sect in the country. Security sources told our correspondent on Sunday that investigations into the breach indicated that the data were leaked to a terrorist group which in turn posted them on the internet to demonstrate that it had access to the security agency’s member information. The data of 60 personnel, including the agency’s Director-General, Ekpenyong Ita, were posted on the Internet by suspected sympathisers of the militant Islamic sect, Boko Haram. The names, mobile numbers, next-of-kin, bank account details and other private information of the personnel were exposed online, an action that threatened the career and lives of the security operatives. Investigators found that the data leakage was carried out by the terrorist sect to intimidate SSS personnel and prove that it had access to the agency’s secret files and any other information. It was learnt that those arrested in connection with the incident had confessed to their roles and also named their accomplices. Though the identity of the suspects and their numbers could not be ascertained, it was gathered that their confessions assisted the Joint Taskforce and the SSS in the killing of two top terrorist commanders in Borno last week. Investigators were said to have examined the background, social and religious affiliations of some members of staff in its accounts and pension departments where diligent sifting of information led to the arrest of some suspects. Our correspondent gathered that the SSS had given the investigation into the leak top priority because it was a direct attack on the agency and a breach meant to undermine its ability to carry out its responsibility of internal security. The leakage has forced the management of the agency to embark on an in-house cleaning exercise which involves a reorganisation on how sensitive data are kept as well as the ‘erection of a strong firewall’ to safeguard other security information. “The personnel that were arrested in connection with the data leakage have named their accomplices and they would be dealt with by the agency in its own way because such act constitutes a serious national security breach which attracts severe sanction,” a source explained.