Before Calling for DSS Disbandment, Look at the Results

By: Olumide Bajulaiye

At a time when Nigeria continues to confront terrorism, kidnapping, and organized crime, calls for the disbandment of the Department of State Services (DSS) are not only misplaced but dangerously dismissive of the agency’s recent achievements.

Under the leadership of Oluwatosin Ajayi, the DSS has demonstrated renewed operational focus and intelligence capability in confronting some of the country’s most pressing security threats. Rather than dismantling the agency, the conversation should focus on strengthening and supporting the institution that quietly works behind the scenes to protect Nigerians.

Across the North-East, North-West, and the Middle Belt, the DSS has intensified intelligence-driven operations that have disrupted terror cells and prevented numerous kidnapping plots. These are not abstract claims; they are measurable results that have directly contributed to saving lives and stabilizing communities.

One of the most significant achievements has been the successful prosecution and conviction of key terrorist figures linked to groups such as Ansaru and commanders associated with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Convictions of this magnitude signal not only effective intelligence gathering but also coordination with the justice system to ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law.

The DSS has also expanded its operational reach beyond traditional conflict zones. Coordinated operations in Abuja, as well as in Nasarawa State, Ebonyi State, and Akwa Ibom State, have led to the arrest of arms couriers and logistics suppliers for terrorist groups. In some cases, even women acting as logistical coordinators for terror networks were apprehended, demonstrating the depth of the agency’s intelligence penetration.

Perhaps one of the most striking operations occurred in Asaba, where DSS operatives intercepted a major arms smuggling network. The operation led to the recovery of more than 50 AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), grenades, and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition—an arsenal that could have fueled devastating attacks across the country.

The agency’s efforts have also translated into lifesaving rescue missions. In Kaduna State, coordinated DSS operations resulted in the rescue of 79 kidnapped victims. Similar rescue missions have taken place in Niger State, Kebbi State, and Katsina State, returning victims to their families and disrupting the financial networks that sustain kidnapping gangs.

Importantly, these are only the operations that reach the public domain. Intelligence agencies worldwide operate largely in secrecy, meaning many successful interventions remain undisclosed to protect ongoing investigations and operational methods.

This reality makes sweeping criticisms of the DSS particularly unfair. Security agencies should indeed be held accountable, but such scrutiny must be balanced with recognition of genuine accomplishments. Dismissing the agency outright ignores the complex and often dangerous work carried out daily by its officers.

Nigeria’s security challenges require strong institutions, professional leadership, and sustained intelligence operations. Under Ajayi’s leadership, the DSS appears to be repositioning itself toward that goal.

Rather than calling for its disbandment, Nigerians should demand continued reforms, improved oversight, and greater resources to ensure the DSS remains effective in safeguarding national security.

In the fight against terrorism and organized crime, weakening one of the country’s primary intelligence institutions would only serve the enemies of the state—not the Nigerian people.

Olumide Bajulaiye is the Publisher, Daily Dispatch Newspaper, also a media consultant

Before Calling for DSS Disbandment, Look at the Results

Zulum Approves Recruitment of Over 1,000 Health Workers, Revitalises 123 PHCs in Borno

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has approved the recruitment and absorption of 1,037 health professionals and support staff to strengthen primary healthcare delivery across Borno State.

The decision forms part of the state government’s broader effort to expand access to quality healthcare services at the grassroots and reinforce frontline medical services in communities across the state.

The Executive Secretary of the Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board, Professor Mohammed Arab Alhaji, disclosed the development, noting that the governor approved the employment and absorption of 985 health professionals and 52 supportive staff into Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) statewide.

He further revealed that the state government also approved the engagement of 341 additional health professionals through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund to complement the existing workforce and strengthen service delivery in health facilities.

Arab explained that the initiative aligns with efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage while supporting the health component of the state’s long-term development framework.

According to him, a significant portion of the newly absorbed workers — 859 health professionals of various cadres — were drawn from the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project and redeployed to PHCs across the state.

He added that another 111 health professionals and 52 support staff have been assigned to five health facilities located in Goni Damgari, Wulari, Shuwari, Miringa and Fikayel. In addition, 15 health professionals have been posted to two PHCs in Mobbar Local Government Area to address staffing shortages in the area.

Beyond workforce expansion, the governor also authorised the implementation of the new minimum wage for health workers alongside improved allowances aimed at boosting morale and enhancing productivity within the sector.

In a further push to strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure, the state government has completed the renovation and upgrade of 123 PHCs across Borno. The upgraded facilities have been equipped with solar-powered boreholes, essential medicines and medical consumables.

The revitalisation exercise was carried out through partnerships involving the state government, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Global Fund and the IMPACT Immunisation Programme.

The interventions are part of ongoing efforts by the Zulum administration to rebuild and strengthen healthcare services in communities affected by years of insurgency while ensuring residents, particularly those in rural areas, have improved access to basic and affordable medical care.

Zulum Approves Recruitment of Over 1,000 Health Workers, Revitalises 123 PHCs in Borno

Katsina peace talks with bandits collapse as kingpin turns rogue, imposes multi-million naira levy on Doma community

By: Zagazola Makama

Efforts at negotiating peace with armed bandit groups in Faskari LGA, Katsina State, have come under renewed scrutiny following a deadly attack by a notorious bandit leader who has imposed a multi-million naira levy on residents of Doma.

The incident point to the risks of engaging in dialogue with criminal elements without prior disarmament.

Local sources told Zagazola that Isiya Kwashen Garwa, a bandit reportedly involved in ongoing negotiations with the Katsina State Government, led a violent raid on Doma, killing more than 20 residents.

Shortly after the attack, the bandit leader demanded payment of a multi-million naira levy under threat of further violence, sending waves of panic through the community.

Residents have begun fleeing their homes, relocating to nearby villages for safety, citing fear of reprisal attacks. “People are leaving the town because they believe the bandits may return if the levy is not paid,” one local source said. Many villagers, already impoverished by repeated attacks, destruction of property, and cattle rustling, said they cannot meet the exorbitant demands.

The attack raises questions about the role of local government officials in the fragile peace process. A viral video circulating on social media showed the Faskari LGA Chairman and the local councillor condemning army troops after they responded to a bandit attack while peace talks were ongoing.

The local government officials have frequently attend bandits naming ceremonies, often bringing bandit leaders closer to villagers, effectively blurring the line between dialogue and complicity.

Security analysts warned that negotiations without enforceable disarmament or credible security measures are inherently temporary. Zagazola Makama had earlier cautioned that bandits involved in such talks could easily turn against communities at any time, a prediction that appears to have materialized in Doma.

On the federal level, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, reiterated that state governments negotiating with bandits are “on their own” and that the Nigerian Armed Forces do not support such programs due to the fact that the bandits often return to their crimes after many occasions.

The imposition of illegal levies has become a common extortion tactic in North-West Nigeria, and the Doma incident illustrated the precariousness of communities caught between armed groups and ineffective local governance.

Security agencies continue operations targeting bandit enclaves in Katsina and neighbouring states, but residents have called for increased protection to enable displaced families to return safely and resume normal economic activities.

This episode may mark a turning point in Katsina’s approach to banditry, signaling that dialogue without enforcement, disarmament, and close coordination with national security forces could have deadly consequences for local populations.

Katsina peace talks with bandits collapse as kingpin turns rogue, imposes multi-million naira levy on Doma community