By Ahmed Isa

The recent criticisms directed at the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, over his advocacy for community-based security are misplaced and uninformed. His call is not only patriotic but also in line with global best practices—and far from being a uniquely Nigerian solution.

During a recent security conference, Mr. Ajayi stated: “You do not expect the Nigerian Army, Police, and SSS to protect every Nigerian.” This was not an admission of failure, but a pragmatic reflection on Nigeria’s persistent security challenges. Unfortunately, some have twisted his message, portraying it as a dereliction of duty rather than a call for inclusive and modern security strategies.

Mr. Ajayi is advocating for a smarter, more collaborative approach—one that moves away from the unrealistic expectation that federal forces can be omnipresent across Nigeria’s 36 states and 774 local governments. Modern threats such as terrorism, banditry, and cybercrime demand flexible, grassroots-level responses. His remarks are not about surrendering responsibility but about building resilience from the ground up.

Community involvement in security is not a novel idea. Many advanced nations, including the United States, operate federal security agencies while also embracing community policing. The proposal for neighborhood watches, vigilante groups, and local security partnerships is grounded in local knowledge and proactive engagement—not jungle justice.

Ajayi is not calling for unregulated armed civilians. Rather, he’s pushing for communities to be equipped with intelligence, awareness, coordination, and legal support. In cases where local defense groups exist, oversight and authorization are essential.

Those attacking Ajayi’s stance either misunderstand his position or harbor ulterior motives against the DSS. They ignore the fact that he explicitly called for stronger collaboration between communities and formal security agencies—a necessary step in making society safer.

Criticisms comparing Ajayi’s approach to an abdication of duty, or tying it to unrelated issues like presidential travel, are distractions. Strategic leadership involves vision, reform, and smart delegation. Waiting for threats to escalate before acting is a luxury Nigeria can no longer afford.

Nigeria’s security challenges predate the APC and even the current democratic era. While the government has its shortcomings, insecurity is also fueled by global arms proliferation, regional instability, climate change, and economic disparity. It’s a multifaceted issue requiring multi-layered solutions.

Dismantling the DSS is not the answer. What Nigeria needs is security sector reform, investment in intelligence and infrastructure, and inclusive partnerships with local communities. The DSS is not surrendering—it is raising an alarm and inviting all Nigerians to be part of the solution.

Ahmed Isa is a Human rights activist and broadcaster, writing from Abuja.