Veteran broadcaster and public affairs analyst, Tonnie Iredia, has described the Department of State Services (DSS) as Nigeria’s most proactive public institution, crediting its transformation to the leadership of the agency’s Director-General, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.
In an article titled “DSS Has Become Nigeria’s Most Proactive Agency,” Iredia said the intelligence agency has undergone a remarkable shift from being a largely secretive organisation to a more pragmatic and people-focused institution that is increasingly attracting public commendation.
According to him, the DSS, formerly known as the State Security Service (SSS), was for many years perceived as an agency that operated behind the scenes with little public engagement. He noted that one of the incidents that brought the service into national prominence was its investigation into the murder of Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, former Principal Private Secretary to ex-Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
Iredia recalled that conflicting investigation reports by the DSS and the police generated public debate, with Oshiomhole rejecting the police findings after questions emerged regarding the suspects arrested in connection with the case. He argued that the episode contributed to a growing perception of the DSS as a credible investigative institution.
The commentator, however, maintained that the agency’s most significant transformation has taken place under Ajayi’s leadership, which he said has attracted more public recognition than many heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies appointed since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.
Among the accolades cited was the commendation by the International Press Institute (IPI) following the release of journalist Adejuwon Soyinka. According to Iredia, the institute praised Ajayi for fostering improved relations between the media and the DSS, noting that issues involving journalists are increasingly being resolved through dialogue and engagement.
He also highlighted the decision of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) to honour the DSS Director-General, alongside commendations from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for the agency’s role in ensuring a peaceful and credible 2026 national convention.
Iredia noted that NANS President Akinteye Afeez commended the service for its professionalism, patriotism and operational efficiency, citing its deployment of a unique security architecture and strategic coordination during the event.
The article further referenced the case of Ya’u Mohammed of Gashua, Yobe State, who was released after investigations reportedly established his innocence. According to Iredia, Ajayi not only approved Mohammed’s release but also authorised financial support to aid his reintegration into society. The gesture was reportedly praised by Yobe State Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, retired Brigadier-General Dahiru Abdulsalam, as evidence of the agency’s commitment to justice and rehabilitation.
The analyst also pointed to commendations from the Northern Christian Association following the arrest of five suspects linked to the November 2025 abduction of students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. He quoted the association’s chairman, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, as urging Nigerians to acknowledge positive developments in government efforts to address security challenges.
According to Iredia, the DSS has increasingly earned public confidence through its use of intelligence gathering, forensic investigations and ballistic analysis to dismantle criminal networks involved in insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He specifically praised the agency’s role in investigations and prosecutions connected to attacks on worshippers at Deeper Life Church in Okene, Kogi State, St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, and the killings in Yelwata community, Benue State.
The article also noted that President Bola Tinubu had congratulated Ajayi over the growing recognition being accorded to the DSS, particularly by media organisations. According to Iredia, the President viewed the commendation from the International Press Institute as evidence of improving relations between security agencies and the media through dialogue and constructive engagement.
Similarly, the Kogi State Government was cited as praising Ajayi’s leadership style and professional conduct, recalling his service in the state before his appointment as Director-General of the DSS. The government reportedly described his achievements as a reflection of the discipline, fairness and professionalism he demonstrated while serving in Kogi.
While applauding what he described as the transformation of the DSS into a stabilising national institution, Iredia urged other security and law enforcement agencies to emulate its intelligence-driven approach. He argued that security intelligence should not be disregarded, citing reports that warnings issued ahead of the 2022 Kuje prison attack were not adequately acted upon, resulting in the escape of hundreds of inmates.
He also cautioned DSS personnel against actions capable of undermining the agency’s growing reputation, pointing to one of Ajayi’s early reforms, which reportedly involved the dismissal of 115 personnel over offences including corruption, diversion of operational funds, credential falsification and unauthorised disclosure of security information.
Iredia concluded that if the agency succeeds in implementing plans to recruit more first-class graduates into its ranks, its operational effectiveness and standing as Nigeria’s premier intelligence institution could be further enhanced.
