On August 28, 2024, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi stepped into the role of Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), taking over from Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, who was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in September 2018. What followed Ajayi’s appointment was quite remarkable for this traditionally conservative security agency—a wave of jubilation among DSS officials. Social media lit up with videos showing personnel dancing and celebrating his new leadership, indicating his popularity within the agency.
What makes Ajayi a standout choice for this position? Colleagues have noted his genteel demeanor, professionalism, extensive experience within the DSS, integrity, and intellect. Many highlighted his exceptional people skills and ability to connect with both junior and senior staff alike. With the numerous commendations he has received, he seems to possess the essential qualities to lead the nation’s intelligence service, especially as we navigate an era increasingly reliant on technology for intelligence gathering and management.
However, this new role comes with significant challenges. Ajayi inherits the responsibility of revitalizing an agency that once epitomized elite intelligence operations. Having progressed through the ranks—from cadet to state director in various states including Enugu, Rivers, Bauchi, Kogi, and Bayelsa—Ajayi’s experience has prepared him for this critical task.
There’s no doubt that the DSS requires reforms. These reforms should not stop at operational enhancements or the integration of advanced technology; they must also encompass the welfare and professional development of personnel. A refreshing mental orientation for operatives is necessary to foster an environment where they are less militant and more compliant with the law. In recent years, the DSS appears to have strayed from its core mission, and this shift has undermined its effectiveness as a crucial player in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
What happened to the principles of discreet investigation, clandestine operations, and precise surveillance to identify potential threats before they escalate? The DSS must refocus on its foundational objective: maintaining internal security, preventing crime, and acting against espionage, terrorism, and other threats to national stability.
The agency also carries the responsibility of providing security for key government officials and sensitive installations, along with delivering actionable intelligence in a timely manner to support national security efforts. These duties are not only demanding but also require a deft touch. Effective intelligence work hinges on the ability to operate discreetly without drawing attention—hence why operatives often work without uniforms.
Unfortunately, recent incidents have led some operatives to stray from the agency’s traditional standards. The crude court invasion in Ogun State to apprehend defendants in an arson case serves as a stark reminder of this deviation from civility. The history of aggressive actions—like the blockade of the National Assembly in 2018 and the storming of state assembly buildings—further complicates the agency’s reputation.
In contrast, recent detentions of prominent figures such as Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, and social justice activist Omoyele Sowore were handled with professionalism, reflecting the possibility of a more balanced approach under Ajayi’s leadership. The DSS did not allow Ajaero’s detention to last beyond midnight, and Sowore was released shortly after his arrest, suggesting a new commitment to operating within the rule of law.
Ajayi’s leadership comes in a time when the DSS faces scrutiny, as highlighted in the U.S. Embassy’s 2021 Country Report on Nigeria, which denounced the agency’s history of overreach and lack of accountability. This criticism calls for an urgent attitudinal shift within the DSS. Ajayi has promised to refocus the agency on discretion and measured silence regarding certain matters.
These commitments signal a leader who understands the weight of his responsibilities. Former DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya commended Ajayi as “diligent, resilient, sophisticated, proactive, and analytical,” emphasizing the goodwill he brings to his role. This goodwill will be crucial as Ajayi seeks to refresh the agency’s image and efficacy.
Ultimately, it is time for Ajayi to cultivate a new dynamic within the DSS, ensuring it serves as an effective, accountable secret service that embodies the rule of law rather than impunity. The excitement surrounding his appointment reflects the hope for a reformed agency.
