DSS Recruitment Exam: Past Interview Questions and Answers

The Department of State Services (DSS), also known as the State Security Service (SSS) in
Nigeria, conducts recruitment processes that typically include an aptitude test (often CBT-
based) followed by an interview stage for shortlisted candidates. Based on available sources,
the interview often combines behavioral questions (focusing on your experience, skills, and
fit for the role) with knowledge-based questions on current affairs, Nigerian history,
government structures, and security-related topics. These help assess candidates'
awareness, critical thinking, and suitability for intelligence and security roles.

Past questions and answers are drawn from compiled practice materials and candidate
experiences. The aptitude test questions may overlap with interview probing, as interviewers
often ask similar current affairs or general knowledge queries orally.

Behavioral Interview Questions

These are common in the DSS interview stage to evaluate personal attributes, motivation,
and professional background. Sample questions are based on reported candidate
experiences. I've included suggested answers based on standard best practices for security
agency interviews—tailor them to your own experience.

1. Walk me through your CV.

Suggested Answer: Start with a brief overview of your education, work history, and key
achievements, linking them to the DSS role. For example: "I graduated with a degree in
Criminology from the University of Lagos in 2018. After that, I worked as a security analyst
at a private firm for three years, where I handled threat assessments and coordinated with
law enforcement. This experience honed my analytical skills, which I believe align with DSS's
focus on national security intelligence."

2. Which qualities make you a prime candidate for this role?

Suggested Answer: Highlight traits like integrity, discretion, analytical thinking, and
patriotism. Example: "My strong sense of integrity and ability to handle confidential
information make me ideal, as demonstrated in my previous role where I managed sensitive
data without breaches. Additionally, my quick decision-making under pressure and
commitment to Nigeria's security align with DSS's mission to protect the nation."

3. What do you know about the DSS in particular?

Suggested Answer: Demonstrate research on the agency. Example: "The DSS is Nigeria's
primary domestic intelligence agency, established in 1986 under Decree 19, responsible for
internal security, counter-intelligence, and protecting senior government officials. It operates
under the National Security Adviser and plays a key role in preventing threats like terrorism
and espionage, as seen in recent operations against Boko Haram."
4. What would your previous bosses say about you?

Suggested Answer: Focus on positive feedback with examples. Example: "My previous
supervisors would describe me as reliable and proactive. For instance, in my last job, my
boss commended my initiative in identifying a potential security vulnerability, which
prevented a data leak, highlighting my attention to detail and teamwork."

Knowledge-Based and Current Affairs Questions

These often appear in both the written test and interview, testing awareness of Nigerian
governance, history, and security institutions. Below is a table of sample past questions with
answers, compiled from recruitment preparation materials. Some may be dated (e.g.,
"current" officials change), so verify the latest info for 2025.

What is the full meaning of ICPC?

A. Independent Corrupt Practices Commission

B. Independent Corrupt Practices Consults

C. Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission

D. Independent Corruption and Financial Crime Commission Correct

Answer:C. Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission

The ICPC is Nigeria's anti-corruption agency established in 2000 to investigate and

prosecute corruption cases.

The main duty of the SSS is to protect,"(A) President and His Family

(B) Governor and his Family

(C) Senior Government Officials

(D) All people in the State",(A) President and His Family,"The SSS (DSS) primarily protects
the President, Vice President, and their families, along with other VIPs, as part of its internal
security mandate."

Which of the following courts served as the highest judicial organ for Nigeria up till 1963?,"(A)
Supreme court

(B) Federal Court of Appeal

(C) Appellate court

(D) The privy council",(D) The privy council,"Before Nigeria's republican status in 1963,
appeals went to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in the UK."

Laws made by State government are known as,"(A) Edicts

(B) Bye law

(C) Acts

(D) Decrees",(A) Edicts,"Under military rule, state laws were edicts; in democratic eras, they
are laws, but ""edicts"" is the term often used in such questions."

Which of these men introduced indirect rule in Nigeria?,"(A) Mungo Park

(B) Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe

(C) Lord Lugard

(D) Sir James Robertson",(C) Lord Lugard,Frederick Lugard implemented indirect rule during
British colonial administration in the early 1900s.

The symbol 'Y' in the Nigerian coat of arms represents,"(A) The Y junctions in Nigerian cities

(B) The two main rivers flowing through Nigeria

(C) The mountain peaks in the north

(D) The shape of the Federal Capital Territory",(B) The two main rivers flowing through
Nigeria,"It symbolizes the Niger and Benue Rivers, which converge in a Y-shape at Lokoja."

Who designed the Nigerian flag?,"(A) Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi

(B) Louis Edet

(C) Oba Isegie of Benin Kingdom

(D) Lord Lugard",(A) Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi,"Akinkunmi, a student, designed it in 1959

during a national competition."

The first state creation in Nigeria took place under the regime of,"(A) Ibrahim Babangida

(B) Mohammed Abacha

(C) Yakubu Gowon

(D) Murtala Mohammed",(C) Yakubu Gowon,"In 1967, Gowon created 12 states from the
existing four regions to reduce ethnic tensions."

What does the eagle in the Nigerian coat of arms represent?,"(A) peace

(B) Terror

(C) Agriculture

(D) Strength",(D) Strength,The eagle signifies Nigeria's strength and power.

The current inspector general of police is,"(A) Abacha Aminu

(B) Saint Farad Bida

(C) Ibrahim Mohammed

(D) Kayode Egbetokun",(D) Kayode Egbetokun,"As of August 2025, Kayode Egbetokun is the
IGP, appointed in 2023. Note: This can change; always confirm current officials."

Preparation Tips

Focus Areas: Interviews often probe current events (e.g., who is the current DSS Director-
General? Answer: Yusuf Magaji Bichi as of recent updates), Nigerian constitution, and
security challenges like insurgency.