Why DSS DG is most professional security chief in Nigeria’s history – Austin Okai

Public affairs analyst, Usman Okai Austin, has explained why he considers the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, the most professional security chief in Nigeria’s history, citing his emphasis on intelligence gathering, discreet operations, inter-agency collaboration and respect for the rule of law.

Okai gave the assessment in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, saying the DSS had adopted a more intelligence-led approach to security operations under Ajayi’s leadership.

According to him, the service has placed greater emphasis on intelligence gathering and operational discretion, enabling it to identify and address security threats before they escalate 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.

He said the service had 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 crime 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,” he said.

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

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

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

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

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