The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, has called on Nigerians to change their perception of security and intelligence agencies, emphasizing that they should be seen as partners in national development rather than adversaries.

Speaking at the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture organized by the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies at the University of Ilorin, Ajayi, who was represented by the agency’s Deputy Director, Mr. Patrick Ikenweiwe, noted that distrust of security agencies weakens intelligence gathering and hampers national peace and integration.

“If I have my way, the best brains from our universities should be compelled to serve in the DSS,” Ikenweiwe stated, stressing that intelligence work requires sharp minds to stay ahead of sophisticated criminal networks. Citing Israel’s security model, he argued that intelligence institutions should attract the brightest minds, as crime syndicates are often led by highly intelligent individuals.

He further highlighted emerging security threats beyond traditional espionage and sabotage, pointing to terrorism, insurgency, cybercrime, and political violence as pressing concerns for Nigeria. He reaffirmed the DSS mandate under existing laws, which empower the agency to prevent and investigate threats that endanger national security.

The Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Professor Abdulganiyu Jawondo, lauded the DSS for its role in maintaining national security. He emphasized that the centre continues to train security personnel, including officers from the Armed Forces and other agencies, to enhance conflict resolution and resource management in Nigeria.