By Soni Daniel

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has received the Nation Builder Award for Excellence in Intelligence Leadership and National Security.

The award was presented at the Nigerian Nation Builders Annual Conference and Awards 2026, held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Asokoro, Abuja.

The event was organised by the National Council for Civil Society Organisations (NACCSO) and Vision One Leadership Development Initiative (VOLDI) to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and recognise Nigerians for their contributions to peace, unity, security and nation-building.

In his remarks, the National President of NACCSO and VOLDI, Rt. Comrade Emmanuel Johnny, described Ajayi as a silent achiever, a thoroughbred professional and a reform-minded intelligence chief.

Johnny said the DSS had recorded successes in intelligence-led operations under Ajayi’s leadership, including efforts to disrupt terrorist cells, kidnapping networks, arms trafficking rings and cybercrime syndicates.

He also commended the agency’s strategic intelligence support for high-profile international joint operations.

The civil society leader praised what he described as reforms within the DSS, citing adherence to law enforcement standards, improved inter-agency collaboration, accountability and respect for civil liberties.

He also highlighted measures reportedly introduced under Ajayi’s leadership, including a ban on operatives meddling in civil disputes and restrictions against the harassment or arrest of journalists, alongside internal restructuring aimed at improving efficiency.

The organisers said the award was presented in recognition of Ajayi’s service, leadership and contributions to national security and nation-building.

They congratulated the DSS director-general on the honour and expressed confidence in his continued service to the country.

The civil society organisations also pledged their continued support for the DSS and other security agencies, saying they remained committed to complementing national security efforts through advocacy against crime.

The organisers further expressed appreciation to Ajayi for accepting their invitation despite his demanding national security schedule.