By Dayo Johnson Akure

The Asiwaju Media Team has commended the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, for his efforts in safeguarding national security and promoting stability across the country.

The Director General of the group, Prince Emorioloye Owolemi, said this in a statement issued in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Owolemi noted that under Ajayi’s leadership, the Service has continued to carry out intelligence-led operations aimed at identifying and preventing threats to Nigeria’s internal security.

He cited the alleged 2025 coup plot against the Federal Government as one of the most significant publicly reported interventions during the DG’s tenure.

According to him, the DSS independently gathered intelligence suggesting that some serving military officers were allegedly planning to destabilise the government and undermine Nigeria’s democratic order.

“The Director General was reported to have personally briefed the then Chief of Army Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, after which the Army and DSS coordinated a discreet operation that resulted in the arrest of suspected participants,” Owolemi said.

He added that subsequent investigations reportedly identified dozens of suspects and examined allegations involving military officers, civilians, and others.

“The alleged conspiracy, he said, included plans to seize strategic national installations and target senior political and military officials.

“Regardless of the eventual judicial outcomes of those proceedings, the episode illustrates the importance of early warning intelligence, inter-agency cooperation and preventive action in protecting constitutional government,” he stated.

Owolemi said that while successful prevention rarely receives the same public attention as a crisis, it remains the greater achievement from a national security perspective.

He explained that the DSS’s statutory responsibilities place intelligence gathering and internal security at the centre of its operations, including counter-intelligence, counter-terrorism support, protection of critical national interests, and collaboration with other security institutions.

“Effective intelligence allows government to identify potential threats before they escalate. It also enables security agencies to deploy resources more strategically and reduce the possibility of large-scale disruption,” he said.

The group noted that across parts of the South West and other regions, citizens have continued to benefit from stronger security coordination.

It added that improvements in intelligence sharing and preventive operations can boost public confidence, commercial activity, and economic stability.

“A secure environment is essential for investment. Businesses cannot flourish where entrepreneurs are afraid to travel, transport goods or establish operations,” Owolemi said.

He stressed that political participation also becomes more meaningful when citizens can attend campaigns and elections without fear of violence.

The Asiwaju Media Team commended the DG and personnel of the DSS for their contributions, while also acknowledging the sacrifices of security personnel whose work often remains out of public view.

“Nigeria needs security institutions that are intelligent, proactive, professional, accountable and humane,” the statement read. “National security is a collective responsibility.”

The group said the ultimate objective must be a Nigeria where citizens can travel freely, do business, and participate in politics without fear.

While commending the DSS, Owolemi said accountability must not be abandoned.

“The DSS, like every other public institution, must continue to operate within the Constitution and the law.

“Respect for human rights, due process, and humane treatment of persons in custody must remain integral to national security operations,” he added.