By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

The Arewa Youth Assembly has conferred a traditional title on Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), in recognition of his reforms in national security operations, enhanced civil engagement, and improved accountability within the intelligence community.

The announcement, made in a statement signed by Mohammed Salihu Danlami, Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly, followed Mr. Ajayi’s recent recognition by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) at its annual Abuja conference, an acknowledgment highlighting the evolving relationship between Nigeria’s security institutions and the media.

According to the Assembly, the honour underscores a growing national consensus that security and press freedom can coexist when leadership is guided by professionalism, restraint, and institutional responsibility.

Since assuming office in August 2024, Mr. Ajayi has overseen a period of operational restructuring within the DSS, marked by enhanced intelligence coordination, strategic restraint, and increased public confidence.

“Under his leadership, the Service has strengthened its capacity in counter-terrorism, intelligence gathering, and crime prevention, while also demonstrating greater respect for civil liberties,” the statement said.

The Assembly highlighted achievements under his tenure, including the arrest of high-profile terror suspects, disruption of arms trafficking networks, dismantling of kidnapping syndicates, and exposure of cybercrime rings targeting national examination systems.

It also noted deliberate steps taken to address past institutional excesses, including the release of unlawfully detained persons, compensation of victims, and disciplinary action against erring officers, measures seen as critical to rebuilding public trust.

Relations between the DSS and the media have reportedly improved, with journalists now engaged through dialogue rather than intimidation, grievances resolved, and previously restricted media practitioners cleared, fostering a constructive security-media relationship.

In recognition of these efforts, the Arewa Youth Assembly conferred on Mr. Ajayi the traditional title “Jarumin Matasan Najeriya” — The Courageous Warrior of Nigerian Youths.

“The leadership style demonstrated by Mr. Ajayi reflects continuity, institutional discipline, and a commitment to a secure and democratic Nigeria in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement concluded.