A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Austin Okai, has commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, for what he described as improved professionalism and greater adherence to the rule of law under his leadership.
Okai, in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, attributed the change to what he described as the agency’s increased focus on intelligence gathering, discreet operations and collaboration with other security agencies.
He said the approach had strengthened the Service’s capacity to identify and respond to security threats before they developed into wider disturbances.
“Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi stands out as a thoroughbred professional security strategist. The DSS, under his leadership, has prioritised intelligence gathering, operational discretion and respect for the rule of law,” Okai said.
He said the Service had also strengthened cooperation with the military, police and international partners in tackling security challenges, particularly cross-border crimes and other emerging threats.
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Okai further cited the growing use of technology in security operations, saying modern tools were increasingly important in confronting digital threats, organised crime and attacks on critical infrastructure.
On human rights, the ADC chieftain said the DSS had placed greater emphasis on observing legal procedures during its operations.
“His respect for human rights, total cessation of arbitrary arrests and detentions have earned him national and international accolades,” he said.
Okai also cautioned against political interference in the operations of security agencies, arguing that effective intelligence gathering required experienced professionals who understood the sensitivity of the work.
“Ajayi rose through the ranks, and that background shows in his leadership,” he said.
He urged the DSS to sustain what he described as its intelligence-led approach, deepen cooperation with other security agencies and ensure that its operations remained within the framework of the law.
The DSS is Nigeria’s principal domestic intelligence agency, with responsibility for intelligence gathering and internal security, including the prevention and investigation of threats to national security. Its operations have at various times attracted public scrutiny and debate over issues including arrests, detention and the balance between national security and fundamental rights.
Ajayi, a career intelligence officer, assumed office as Director-General of the DSS in August 2024, succeeding Yusuf Magaji Bichi.
Okai said maintaining a discreet, professional and intelligence-driven security service remained critical to addressing Nigeria’s internal security challenges.
He called for continued institutional reforms that would strengthen public confidence in the DSS while enabling the agency to effectively discharge its statutory responsibilities.
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