DSS DG most professional security chief in Nigeria’s history, says Austin Okai

Public affairs analyst, Usman Okai Austin, has attributed what he described as changes in the operational approach of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the leadership of its Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi.

Okai, in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, said the service had placed greater emphasis on intelligence gathering, discreet operations and collaboration with other security agencies under Ajayi.

He said the approach was important to identifying and addressing security threats before they escalated into wider public disturbances.

“Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi stands out as a thoroughbred professional security strategist,” Okai said, adding that the DSS under his leadership had prioritised intelligence gathering, operational discretion and respect for the rule of law.

According to him, the service has also strengthened cooperation with the military, police and international partners in responding to security challenges, including cross-border crimes.

Okai further said the adoption of modern technology had become important in tackling digital threats, organised crimes and attacks on critical infrastructure.

He also commended what he described as greater attention to human rights and compliance with legal procedures during security operations.

“His respect for human rights, total cessation of arbitrary arrests and detentions have earned him national and international accolades,” Okai said.

The analyst said effective security management required officers with experience and a clear understanding of intelligence operations, rather than political interference.

“Ajayi rose through the ranks, and that background shows in his leadership,” he said.

Okai urged the DSS to sustain intelligence-led operations, improve cooperation with other security agencies and ensure that its activities remained within the framework of the law.

He said maintaining a discreet and professionally managed intelligence service would remain important to addressing Nigeria’s internal security challenges.