What motivates terrorism, insurgency in Nigeria — Ajayi, DSS DG

Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director-General of Nigeria's Department of State Services (DSS), has offered an unprecedented glimpse into the nation's ongoing struggle against terrorism and insurgency. Speaking during an exclusive interview with journalists, Ajayi discussed the motivations behind such threats, the challenges faced by security agencies, and the reforms being implemented under his leadership. The interview, conducted on the second anniversary of his tenure as DSS head, marks a rare moment of transparency from an institution typically shrouded in secrecy. Ajayi emphasized the need for stricter law enforcement, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and a renewed focus on human rights within the intelligence community. Ajayi began his career in the DSS as a cadet officer and has spent nearly four decades navigating the complex landscape of Nigerian security. His journey through the ranks culminated in his appointment as the first cadet to reach the top post in the department. Reflecting on his time in the organization, he acknowledged both its achievements and shortcomings, stating that his efforts over the past two years have built upon previous successes while addressing systemic weaknesses. Among the key changes he highlighted were a stronger emphasis on law enforcement, improved coordination with domestic and international partners, and a commitment to compensating victims of wrongful actions taken by the agency. The DSS, established 40 years ago, has traditionally maintained a low profile in public affairs. Ajayi explained that the decision to avoid grand celebrations for the milestone was influenced by the current national climate. Despite this, he noted that internal recognition of the agency's longevity had occurred. He described his leadership style as consistent with his earlier roles, emphasizing continuity rather than abrupt change. This approach has reportedly yielded visible outcomes, including higher conviction rates among terror suspects and greater cooperation with allied security bodies. Reforms spearheaded by Ajayi span multiple areas, including law enforcement practices, inter-agency synergy, ethical accountability, human rights compliance, and administrative upgrades aimed at boosting operational efficiency. These initiatives are designed to address longstanding criticisms of the DSS, particularly regarding allegations of arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial treatment of suspects. Under his leadership, the agency has sought to delineate clearly between civil and criminal matters, ensuring that force is used judiciously and only when necessary. One notable aspect of the reforms involves the agency's response to instances of error. Ajayi outlined a policy of proactive compensation for victims of mistaken actions, even prior to legal proceedings. In one case, the DSS exceeded a court-mandated compensation amount, adding additional funds and providing comprehensive medical care to an individual wrongly injured during an operation. This approach reflects a broader effort to maintain public trust and prevent former employees from engaging in misconduct under the agency's name. The interview also touched on the global context of intelligence operations. Ajayi referenced similar public engagements by counterparts abroad, such as the Director of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who recently addressed the public on the agency's counter-terrorism efforts. He suggested that open communication between intelligence services and the media could foster better understanding and cooperation, especially in combating transnational threats. Ajayi's comments on the motivations behind terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria remain central to the discussion. While he did not elaborate extensively on the specifics, he hinted at the multifaceted nature of the problem, suggesting that solutions would require more than just military action. His remarks underscored the necessity of a holistic strategy encompassing legal, social, and economic dimensions to effectively combat the root causes of insecurity. The DSS chief's tenure has thus far focused on refining existing structures and implementing policies that align with contemporary security imperatives. As the agency continues to evolve, its role in shaping Nigeria's national security framework will likely remain pivotal. The reforms initiated by Ajayi are expected to influence future strategies in dealing with both domestic and cross-border threats.