‘War against terror task that must be accomplished’ – DSS boss Ajayi

Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), has emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration among security agencies, government institutions and communities to combat terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities in the North-West. This call was made during the second North-West Zonal Conference of State Directors of Security, held in Katsina, Nigeria on Thursday.

The conference, themed "Unite Against Terror," aimed to provide a platform for security stakeholders to review the security situation in the region, exchange operational experiences and develop effective strategies to counter terrorism and banditry.

Ajayi, represented by Husseini Abubakar, the Chairman of the North-West Forum of State Directors of Security and Kano State Director of Security, emphasized that the conference offered an opportunity for security stakeholders to compare notes, share experiences, and assess the evolving security challenges, particularly the threat of banditry, in order to devise appropriate containment strategies.

He highlighted the DSS's efforts to enhance the tactical capabilities of its personnel to respond more effectively to emerging security threats.

Ajayi expressed optimism about the collective efforts to secure communities and stressed that the war against terror is a task that must be accomplished. In his welcome address, Katsina State Director of Security, Alhassan Iliyasu, echoed this sentiment, stressing that securing communities requires a collaborative effort that extends beyond security agencies to involve the entire society.

He highlighted Katsina State's community-based security approach, which involves government, security agencies, community watch structures and vigilante groups in addressing security threats.

Iliyasu noted that the conference would allow participants to critically examine the security challenges facing the North-West, review existing countermeasures and develop renewed strategies against banditry and related criminal activities. He reiterated the importance of the "Unite Against Terror" theme, underscoring the collective action required to secure communities.