DSS Has Become Nigeria’s Most Proactive Agency, Says Tonnie Iredia

By: Michael Mike

Veteran broadcaster and public affairs analyst, Tonnie Iredia, has described the Department of State Services (DSS) as Nigeria’s most proactive public institution, attributing the transformation of the intelligence agency to the leadership of its Director-General, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.

In an article titled “DSS Has Become Nigeria’s Most Proactive Agency,” Iredia argued that the agency, once largely known for operating in secrecy and attracting public suspicion, has evolved into what he described as a pragmatic and people-oriented institution that is earning commendations from diverse segments of society.

According to him, the DSS, formerly known as the State Security Service (SSS), was for many years viewed as a secretive organization whose personnel operated without public visibility.

Iredia recalled that one of the incidents that brought the agency into public focus was the investigation into the killing of Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, Principal Private Secretary to former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole.

He noted that the DSS and the police produced different investigation reports on the murder, with Oshiomhole publicly rejecting the police findings and questioning the arrests made in the case after it emerged that some of those accused were reportedly already in detention when the crime occurred.

According to Iredia, the incident helped shape public perception that the DSS possessed stronger investigative credibility.

The columnist, however, said the agency’s most remarkable transformation has occurred under the leadership of Ajayi, whom he described as receiving more public commendations than most heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies appointed since the commencement of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Among the recognitions cited by Iredia was the commendation by the International Press Institute (IPI) following the release of journalist Adejuwon Soyinka.

He noted that the IPI praised Ajayi for fostering a new relationship between the media and the DSS, stating that under his leadership, disputes involving journalists are increasingly resolved through engagement rather than coercive measures.

Iredia also referenced the decision of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) to honour the DSS boss, as well as commendations from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for the agency’s role in ensuring a peaceful and credible 2026 national convention of the student body.

According to the article, NANS President Akinteye Afeez commended the DSS for what he described as professionalism, patriotism and operational excellence, noting that the agency deployed a unique security architecture and strategic coordination that differed from previous experiences at student gatherings.

The commentator further highlighted the case of Ya’u Mohammed of Gashua, Yobe State, who was released from DSS custody after investigations reportedly established his innocence.

According to Iredia, Ajayi not only ordered Mohammed’s release but also approved N2 million to support his reintegration into society. He quoted Yobe State Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, retired Brigadier-General Dahiru Abdulsalam, as describing the gesture as evidence of the agency’s commitment to justice, compassion and rehabilitation.

The article also cited commendation 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.

Iredia quoted the association’s chairman, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, as urging Nigerians to acknowledge positive government actions whenever they occur, particularly in the area of security.

According to him, many citizens have welcomed the DSS’s growing use of intelligence gathering and ballistic analysis to expose criminal networks responsible for insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.

He specifically praised the agency’s role in investigations and prosecutions linked 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 of Benue State.

Iredia also noted that President Bola Tinubu had formally congratulated Ajayi on the growing recognition being accorded to the agency, particularly by media organisations.

He said the President viewed the commendation from the International Press Institute as evidence that the DSS was changing the narrative of hostility between security agencies and journalists while creating an atmosphere of dialogue and constructive engagement with citizens.

The Kogi State Government was also cited as having praised Ajayi’s leadership qualities, recalling his service in the state before his elevation to head the nation’s domestic intelligence agency.

According to Iredia, the state government described Ajayi’s current achievements as a reflection of the discipline, fairness, professionalism and respect for institutional processes he demonstrated while serving in Kogi.

While applauding what he called the transformation of the DSS from a feared agency into a stabilising national institution, Iredia urged other security and law enforcement agencies to emulate its approach.

He argued that intelligence provided by the DSS should not be ignored, recalling that intelligence warnings reportedly issued before the 2022 Kuje prison attack were not adequately acted upon, leading to the escape of hundreds of inmates.

The columnist also cautioned DSS personnel against actions that could undermine the reputation being built by the current leadership.

He pointed to one of Ajayi’s earliest reforms, which reportedly involved the dismissal of 115 personnel over various infractions, including corruption, diversion of operational funds, falsification of credentials and unauthorised disclosure of security information.

According to Iredia, officers of the service have a responsibility to sustain the institution’s growing reputation as Nigeria’s premier intelligence agency.

He concluded that if Ajayi succeeds in implementing plans to recruit more first-class graduates into the service, the operational excellence and effectiveness of the DSS could reach even greater heights.

DSS Has Become Nigeria’s Most Proactive Agency, Says Tonnie Iredia