By Correspondent in Ilorin
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, has called on Nigerians to rethink their perceptions of security and intelligence agencies, encouraging them to see these organizations as crucial partners in the country’s development rather than as adversaries.
Ajayi made this statement during the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture, organized by the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies at the University of Ilorin. He was represented at the event by the agency’s Deputy Director, Mr. Patrick Ikenweiwe.
The DSS DG voiced concerns about the growing distrust between citizens and security agencies, warning that such skepticism could undermine intelligence gathering and threaten national security.
“If it were up to me, the brightest minds from our universities should be compelled to serve in the DSS,” said Ikenweiwe, stressing the importance of skilled individuals capable of tackling complex criminal networks.
He cited Israel’s recruitment model, where top university graduates are actively enlisted into intelligence services, noting that criminals often operate with equally sophisticated intelligence.
Ikenweiwe also addressed the evolving nature of security threats, which now include terrorism, insurgency, cybercrime, and political violence, in addition to traditional espionage and sabotage. He reaffirmed the DSS’s commitment to preventing and investigating threats to national stability.
Professor Abdulganiyu Jawondo, Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, praised the DSS for its efforts in safeguarding national security.
He also commended the centre’s role in providing training for security personnel, including the Armed Forces, to strengthen conflict resolution and resource management for enhanced national stability.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
