In a bold shift towards inclusive national security, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, MON, is redefining the contours of internal security by promoting the democratization of security intelligence, a strategy aimed at building a people-focused and participatory security architecture across Nigeria.
At the heart of this emerging model is the belief that security is a shared responsibility, and that national safety can no longer be the exclusive domain of state actors. Mr. Ajayi’s approach encourages the active involvement of communities, traditional institutions, and civil society in the intelligence-gathering process, thereby making citizens key stakeholders in safeguarding the country.
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Since assuming office, Ajayi has introduced reforms that prioritize grassroots intelligence networks, foster inter-agency collaboration, and promote the strategic use of technology in anticipating and neutralizing security threats. His experience as State Director across multiple states has equipped him with a deep understanding of Nigeria’s unique local dynamics, which he is now leveraging to recalibrate the DSS towards more responsive and covert operations.
The democratization process under his leadership is anchored in transparency, trust-building, and civic engagement. It encourages citizens to report suspicious activities, while ensuring their safety and confidentiality are preserved. This collaborative security model not only enhances intelligence accuracy but also strengthens public confidence in the DSS and other security institutions.
Furthermore, Ajayi’s commitment to silent efficiency—marked by “studied silence” over sensitive matters—reflects a maturity in leadership that places outcomes above optics. His vision is clear: a Nigeria where security intelligence is not just collected from the top, but flows from the streets, communities, and local institutions upwards—creating a bottom-up architecture that is resilient, people-driven, and future-ready.
In a time of evolving security challenges, Mr. Ajayi’s democratized approach represents a new dawn for national security, one where every Nigerian has a role and a voice in building a safer nation.
