{
  "id": 10438142,
  "title": "Restoring Trust And Strengthening Intelligence: The Quiet Transformation Of Nigeria’s DSS Under Adeola Ajayi",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/restoring-trust-and-strengthening-intelligence-the-quiet",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T11:42:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/09/28/restoring-trust-and-strengthening-intelligence-the-quiet-transformation-of-nigerias-dss-under-adeola-ajayi/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria has undergone a significant transformation under the leadership of its new Director-General, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi. The changes being implemented by Ajayi are focused on five main areas: law enforcement, inter-agency cooperation, institutional accountability, respect for human rights, and infrastructural and administrative reforms aimed at enhancing operational efficiency.\n\nAjayi's career as an intelligence officer within the DSS for many years provides him with unique insights into the institution. He emphasizes drawing on these experiences to rectify past mistakes and improve practices. Rather than challenging the DSS's mandate, the reforms bring about a more professional and accountable approach to exercising its mandate.\n\nOne of the most notable changes includes the separation of civil disputes from criminal matters. The DSS will no longer use arrest as a tool to resolve civil disputes, and issues that require judicial determination will be taken before the courts. This shift reflects a fundamental principle of constitutional governance, ensuring that coercive power is used within the bounds of the law.\n\nAjayi also champions the concept of restorative justice, focusing on providing redress to individuals who have suffered due to operational errors. The DSS has paid over N300 million in compensation for errors made during Ajayi's tenure, and has gone beyond court-ordered compensation to ensure full assistance to victims. This approach emphasizes accountability and restores damaged trust within the community.\n\nFurthermore, the Ajayi administration has implemented a zero-tolerance policy towards unethical conduct, dismissing 115 personnel for misconduct and warning others who continue to impersonate DSS personnel. This strict discipline and accountability within the DSS is crucial to maintaining high standards of professional conduct, which is vital for public confidence and the successful execution of security operations.",
  "summary": "By Cajetan Osisioma There are institutions whose work is so closely intertwined with national security. that much of what they do must necessarily remain outside the public gaze. The Department",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}