Arewa Group Commends DSS DG Ajayi Over Security Reforms

The All Northern Youth Forum ( ANYF) ,has commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for what it described as transformative leadership, improved personnel welfare and intelligence-driven operations aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture.

The group, in a statement signed by its general secretary, Nuhu Lere, said Ajayi leadership had contributed to strengthening the DSS at a time the country was confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, separatist violence, organised crime and economic sabotage.

According to the forum, the nature of intelligence work makes many achievements of the DSS difficult to publicise because its effectiveness is often measured by attacks prevented, criminal networks disrupted and lives saved without public knowledge.

It said the successes that had entered the public domain were enough to demonstrate the strategic importance of the Service to national security.

Lere also said the DSS leadership had demonstrated concern for personnel who died in active service, alleging that families of fallen officers had received support beyond their statutory entitlements.

Such assistance, he said, reportedly included housing, employment opportunities for qualified relatives, educational support for children and remembrance programmes to honour the sacrifices of deceased personnel.

The group further hailed the DSS DG for what it described as a strong commitment to discipline, professionalism and accountability.

It said personnel found culpable of corruption, misconduct or actions capable of bringing the Service into disrepute were subjected to disciplinary procedures in accordance with established regulations.

Beyond conventional security operations, the group said Ajayi had embraced a non-kinetic approach to national security through humanitarian interventions.

The forum also attributed humanitarian initiatives to the DSS leadership involving traditional and religious institutions, including reported support for Muslim and Christian communities.

It specifically cited the construction of an Islamic school and a school for Christian children in Kaduna State as examples of efforts it said promoted religious harmony and national unity.

On intelligence operations, the group said the DSS under Ajayi had sustained efforts against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, violent extremism, separatist violence, organised crime and economic sabotage.

It also cited reported operations in the North-East, North-West, South-East, South-West and Niger Delta, including the disruption of terrorist and criminal networks, arrests of suspected operatives and efforts against arms trafficking and crude oil theft.

The forum specifically referenced intelligence-led operations in Kaduna State, which it said had disrupted bandit networks and resulted in arrests and the recovery of firearms, ammunition and other incriminating materials.

The statement also noted the reported operations against Ansaru operatives in Kogi and Kwara States and efforts against violent groups and suspected terrorist activities in other parts of the country.

The Forum urged Nigerians to support the DSS and other security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence, rejecting criminality and cooperating with lawful authorities.