Austin Okai, a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress, has praised Oluwatosin Ajayi, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, for what he called increased adherence to the rule of law and improved professionalism under his direction.
In a statement released in Abuja on Monday, Okai attributed the shift to the agency’s increased emphasis on intelligence collection, covert operations, and cooperation with other security agencies.
He claimed that the strategy had improved the Service’s ability to recognize and address security risks before they became more widespread disruptions.
“Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi stands out as a thoroughbred professional security strategist. The DSS, under his leadership, has prioritised intelligence gathering, operational discretion and respect for the rule of law,” Okai said.
“His respect for human rights, total cessation of arbitrary arrests and detentions have earned him national and international accolades.”
Additionally, Okai warned against political meddling in security agency operations, claiming that competent experts who recognized the delicate nature of the work were necessary for efficient intelligence collection.
“Ajayi’s leadership reflects his background of rising through the ranks,” he stated.
He called on the DSS to maintain what he called its intelligence-led strategy, strengthen collaboration with other security organizations, and make sure that its activities stayed within the bounds of the law.
Nigeria’s main domestic intelligence organization, the DSS is in charge of gathering intelligence and internal security, including preventing and looking into threats to national security. Its activities have occasionally drawn criticism from the public and discussion on topics like detention, arrests, and striking a balance between fundamental rights and national security.
This is a commendable step and a clear sign that the DSS chief’s work has not gone unnoticed. Keep up the good work in upholding the rule of law and serving the public.
