Ajayi’s appointment signals new era for DSS under Tinubu — Ex-director

Security consultant and retired Director of the Department of State Services, Mr. Dennis Amachree, has expressed confidence in the ability of the DSS’s new boss, Tosin Ajayi, to transform the secret police, highlighting the need to maintain the agency’s tradition of anonymity and covert operations.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Tosin Ajayi as the new Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The appointment, which came amidst rising security concerns, is being hailed as a transformative step in the president’s plan to revamp the country’s security infrastructure. Though the announcement took many by surprise, Ajayi’s swift impact has been described as a “breath of fresh air” in Nigeria’s security sector by Amachree.

According to him, Ajayi’s appointment has been widely celebrated, particularly by DSS personnel who have witnessed his work in various state commands. He hinted that his reputation for integrity, merit-based decision-making, and adherence to professional standards has set him apart as an ideal candidate for the role.

“His leadership is already showing promise in restoring the morale of the DSS, an agency that had been undermined by years of mismanagement, nepotism, and external interference.

“The DSS, Nigeria’s key internal security agency, had faced declining standards and operational inefficiencies before Ajayi’s appointment. The agency had become a target for criticism due to lapses in recruitment processes and leadership inconsistencies. Ajayi, however, has wasted no time in addressing these problems head-on.

“One of his first major actions has been to overhaul the recruitment and vetting processes within the DSS. By enforcing stricter background checks and ensuring that only qualified personnel are brought into the fold, Ajayi aims to prevent the infiltration of individuals with questionable backgrounds, safeguarding the agency’s integrity.

“His commitment to meritocracy is expected to help restore the DSS’s credibility as an elite security outfit.

“Ajayi’s reforms extend beyond personnel management. He has also focused on enhancing the agency’s operational capabilities.

“Recognizing the need for the DSS to keep pace with modern security challenges, Ajayi has initiated improvements in intelligence gathering, streamlined operational protocols, and bolstered inter-agency collaboration.

“These efforts, he believes, will position the DSS to respond more swiftly and effectively to both domestic and international security threats.

“Under Ajayi’s leadership, transparency and accountability have become key pillars of the DSS.

“He is determined to revive the core principles of the agency, which include maintaining objectivity in intelligence work and resisting undue political influence. Ajayi’s vision for the DSS aligns with international best practices, positioning the agency to tackle Nigeria’s complex security landscape.

“Despite the early successes, Ajayi faces ongoing challenges. Corruption, nepotism, and personnel overstaying in critical command positions remain areas of concern that he will need to address.

“Furthermore, with the security landscape constantly evolving, Ajayi will need to ensure that the DSS remains adaptable and prepared to meet new threats.

“In just a few months, Tosin Ajayi has already begun reshaping the DSS, and many are hopeful that his reforms will have lasting effects.

“His focus on professionalism, merit, and accountability is seen as a crucial step towards building a safer and more secure Nigeria. As the DSS enters this new era, all eyes are on Ajayi to see if he can fully restore the agency’s stature and effectiveness,” he said.

He added that with Ajayi at the helm, Nigeria’s secret police may once again be a formidable force in ensuring national security.