Rights Group Commends DSS Boss Over Sun Leadership Award

The Centre for Public Integrity has commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, for his leadership and institutional reforms following his receipt of The Sun’s Courage in Leadership Award.

The organisation said the recognition reflected Ajayi’s efforts to reposition the secret police through professionalism, respect for the rule of law and adherence to democratic principles.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the Centre’s Executive Director, Comrade Job Samuel Danfulani, described the award as a national endorsement of the DSS director-general’s leadership and ongoing reforms.

The group said the agency had witnessed a significant shift in its operations since President Bola Tinubu appointed Ajayi as its director-general.

It noted that the DSS had moved away from its traditional strong-arm image towards intelligence-driven operations that prioritised citizens’ rights and democratic accountability.

According to the organisation, the Service has recorded operational successes in tackling complex security threats, dismantling transnational arms syndicates and preventing asymmetric attacks through intelligence gathering.

The Centre, however, identified the agency’s improved respect for the rule of law and judicial authority as one of the most significant developments under Ajayi’s leadership.

It said the DSS had demonstrated greater commitment to due process by complying with court orders, reviewing previous operational excesses and paying court-ordered compensation to citizens affected by wrongful arrests and prolonged detention.

The statement said, “For the first time in recent memory, Nigerians are witnessing a secret police leadership that actively submits its operations to the crucible of legal due process.”

It added that the agency had secured landmark judicial victories through evidence-based prosecution while demonstrating institutional maturity in its relationship with the courts.

The organisation also praised Ajayi for strengthening collaboration among security agencies and opening constructive channels of engagement with civil society groups and the media.

It said his administration’s attention to personnel welfare had further strengthened the DSS as an important institution for national security and stability.

The Centre maintained that combining effective security operations with respect for citizens’ fundamental rights and compensation for victims of unlawful actions represented a standard other security agencies should emulate.

It urged heads of security and law enforcement agencies to adopt similar approaches based on transparency, accountability and respect for human rights.

Congratulating Ajayi, the organisation urged him to see the award as a motivation to deepen the reforms and sustain his commitment to national service.

“As Nigeria navigates complex security challenges, the nation requires precisely this brand of courageous, cerebral and law-abiding stewardship to safeguard our sovereignty and democracy,” the statement added.