“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power” …Abraham Lincoln, former U. S. President

In leading the DSS, Ajayi, combines sheer brilliance, courage, determination, humility, qualitative vision, strategic mindset, technocratic expertise, emotional intelligence, high execution rate, empathy, and high level of integrity. Indeed, those rare attributes combined in Ajayi, as an individual, in Nigerian public service, are rare these days

Pragmatic and proactive leadership:

ON November 2, 2026, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, the Director-General, Department of State Services (DG, DSS), freed four suspected members of the proscribed militant separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), after being cleared of alleged membership of the group. He also approved the compensation of a total of N20 million to the released persons. This is yet another act of compassion, and regard for human rights, by the DG, adding to the list of people he freed from detention, after being cleared of suspicion, and other acts of empathy and regard for human dignity. Such sterling qualities of quintessential leadership are deserving of accolade, and worthy of emulation.

Therefore, today, I celebrate a distinguished public servant, an icon of national security and intelligence, a model of quintessential leadership, a practical and pragmatic leader, an epitome of benevolence, an amiable gentleman, and, importantly, a good family man. In my view, for over two years, since he was appointed the DG, DSS by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr. Ajayi has been, and remains, the quintessential, most consequential, and impactful DG, DSS in the past 27 years of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. And I will tell you why in this column.

Ajayi is a strategic, analytical, and a highly efficient operator. He is wired for the job!! The stealth of his operations and mastery in delivery, makes him one of the best DG of the DSS in its over 45 years of existence. He does not buy or seek limelight. His works, and his performances attract the limelight.

For over two years, the DG, DSS has been demonstrating capacity, competence, character, deep intellect, wisdom, impressive performance, uncommon empathy, high level of emotional intelligence, and respect for human rights in the delivery of the mandate given to him by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘In leading the DSS, Ajayi, combines sheer brilliance, courage, determination, humility, qualitative vision, strategic mindset, technocratic expertise, emotional intelligence, high execution rate, empathy, and high level of integrity. Indeed, those rare attributes combined in Mr. Ajayi, as an individual, in Nigerian public service, are rare these days’

Ajayi took over the leadership of DSS when Nigeria was facing various challenges, including multi-dimensional insecurity, poverty, porous borders, kidnapping, banditry, and increasing proliferation of arms, and escalating terrorism. This extraordinary intelligence officer has been leading the DSS in extraordinary ways, during extraordinary times, under extraordinary circumstances, and he has been achieving extraordinary results and impacts.

In leading the DSS, Ajayi, combines sheer brilliance, courage, determination, humility, qualitative vision, strategic mindset, technocratic expertise, emotional intelligence, high execution rate, empathy, and high level of integrity. Indeed, those rare attributes combined in Mr. Ajayi, as an individual, in the public service, are rare these days.

Furthermore, he has been effectively managing the profound complex nature of the multidimensional insecurity pari-passu and other social, and economic challenges facing Nigeria. Where leaders have failed woefully, Ajayi has been successfully responding and delivering calmly, with focus and agility; rather than noise, impulsivity, lies, denials, mediocrity, and failures!

DG Ajayi is the Most ‘Stress-Tested’ DG, DSS in Nigeria:

Assassination attempts:

There is no gain-saying that the multi-dimensional insecurity and strife that Nigeria has been facing in the past 17 years have stretched every fabric and being of Nigeria and Nigerians. Therefore, the capacity, competence, and character of our armed forces and security and intelligence institutions, as well as their leaders have been tested beyond limits. In such times, the real leaders are making needed impacts. Despite the daunting challenges, including funding, equipment and human resources, Mr Ajayi has been engaging, performing, improving and upscaling.

Quiet, deliberate, meticulous, shadowy, highly intelligent, determined, diligent, relentless, and skilful, Ajayi is a classic model of a brilliant, proactive, highly efficient and effective intelligence officer, transformational leader, and security expert – an accomplished one at that. Underestimate him at your own peril!

Reforming The DSS:

Ajayi epitomises the core values of the DSS, i.e., loyalty, vigilance, and verity. He is continually and constructively, engaging internal and external stakeholders. He is a silent operator, bridge-builder and effective team player.

Love him or hate him, you cannot deny Ajayi’s capacity. As the saying goes, “A gold fish has no hiding place”.

In the past two years of his administration, he has been undertaking reforms of the DSS in areas of capacity building, discipline, professionalism, etc. While undertaking reforms, he has also been ensuring that the welfare of the officers and men of the Service is continually well addressed. Meanwhile, over 100 rogues and bad elements within the Service have been sacked, as part of reforms. Indeed, the DG has zero tolerance for indiscipline in all its forms.

While many leaders give excuses, denials or shameless volte-face, Ajayi communicates calmly, with clarity and facts, with the resonating voice of a leader, who cares for, and respects people. He does not brag or blow his trumpet, he works and the people acknowledge; while detractors, haters and enemies sulk and grimace in envy. Indeed, his enemies will continue to fail. Ajayi is an epitome of benevolent leadership.

Efficient and effective DSS under Ajayi

A few instances of the performance of the DSS under Ajayi’s leadership:

·Four days ago, (November 2026): Security operatives rescued eight kidnap victims between October 31 and November 2, 2026, in the Millennium City and Maraban Rido areas of Chikun Local Government Area. The rescued individuals include Jamila Muhammad, Talatu Yakubu, Yunana Bawa, Calista Bishop, Chidinma Onuwere, Eucharia Obi, Godiya Victor, and an eight-year-old girl (Miracle Alex).

·Last month (October 2026), the DSS and joint security forces rescued 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were abducted on Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State. The victims were rescued several days after their abduction. The intervention was the outcome of swift and efficient intelligence-led operations by the DSS and joint security forces. Consequently, the five alleged kidnappers were arrested with AK-47 rifles and ammunition. The suspects are facing prosecution in the Imo State High Court, Owerri.

• In May, this year (five months ago), 44-46 pupils, teachers, and passengers who were abducted from Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State, Nigeria, by armed men linked to the proscribed terrorist group Ansaru (or its affiliate Darul Salam) were safely rescued on July 10, 2026, after 56 days in captivity. This is an outcome of joint operations comprising the DSS, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service, Nigerian Air Force, Police, and local hunters/vigilantes. Eight primary suspects that were arrested and placed in DSS custody, are facing prosecution. Consequently, three of the terrorists have been sentenced to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty of terrorism charges, aiding kidnapping and obstruction of justice.
• Five months ago (June, 2026): Justice Muhammad Nuraddeen Bello of Sokoto State High Court, sentenced three men—Yusuf Muhammad (a Nigerien national), Jabbi Alhaji Yalle, and Kabiru Muhammad—to death by hanging for terrorism and arms proliferation, ordered the forfeiture of monetary exhibits to the Federal Government. This is another outcome of diligent work of men and officers of the DSS Counter-Terrorism Unit, under the leadership of Ajayi.

•The list goes on …

Ajayi is a human rights advocate

Ajayi has been demonstrating a high level of emotional intelligence, and regard for human dignity. My views are attested to by various awards given to Ajayi, organisation, including Nigerian Builders, Radio Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), and also the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) on December 2, 2025. Notably, the IPA award was given to him in recognition of his respect for human rights. For such an award to be given by journalists – the Fourth Estate of the Realm, to a security and intelligence officer is a rare feat because the media and security agencies are mostly at loggerheads. Indeed, Ajayi is an officer and a gentleman.

Furthermore, for the past two years, the Service under Ajayi, has experienced far better relationships with the media, and other critical stakeholders. This is because he applies the strategy of “sensing” and “influence”, where necessary, rather than just the strategy of domination, aggression or control all the time.

To further uphold human rights in Nigeria, the DG introduced a compensation policy for suspects who were wrongfully detained about a year ago. This act of compassion has resonated very positively with the beneficiaries, many Nigerians and the international community. Ajayi has ensured the stoppage of the DSS from arresting people on civil matters. Indeed, Ajayi is graceful, professional, and compassionate, but firm and fair.

In conclusion, I give kudos to the DSS, and all the officers and men of the DSS, for their invaluable service to Nigeria.