CPI Congratulates DSS Boss Ajayi on Courage in Leadership Award

The Centre for Public Integrity (CPI) has sent warm congratulations to Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS). This comes after he received The Sun ‘Courage in Leadership Award.’

In a statement released in Abuja on Saturday, signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Job Samuel Danfulani, the organization said this award is a national recognition of Mr Ajayi’s ongoing reforms. These reforms have changed how the secret service operates in Nigeria by focusing on constitutionalism, professionalism, and accountability.

The Centre noted that the award marks a big shift in the DSS since President Bola Tinubu appointed Mr Ajayi as DG. “This recognition by The Sun is not just for show; it is a fair assessment of a leader who has shown real courage to improve a key security agency from the inside, and President Tinubu’s choice of the right people,” the statement said.

“Mr Ajayi has successfully moved the DSS away from the old image of strong-arm tactics to a more sophisticated, intelligence-driven, and citizen-friendly agency.”

Achievements of the DSS

The CPI pointed out some achievements under the current administration. The DSS has made significant progress in tackling serious security threats, breaking down international arms networks, and preventing attacks through careful intelligence work.

The group also praised the DSS for its respect for the rule of law and judicial authority. They called this a key moment in Nigeria’s democratic growth. “For the first time in a long while, Nigerians are seeing a secret police leadership that follows legal processes in its operations,” the group stated.

“Under Mr Ajayi’s leadership, the Service has not only won several important court cases thanks to careful, evidence-based prosecution, but it has also shown great maturity by following court orders, reviewing past mistakes, and paying compensation to citizens who faced wrongful arrests or long detentions.”

The Centre highlighted that combining effective action against threats with compassion for innocent citizens is the ideal standard for modern intelligence leadership. By improving teamwork between agencies, engaging with civil society and the media, and focusing on staff welfare, the DG has made the DSS a strong pillar for national stability.

While encouraging Mr Ajayi to take this award as motivation for more national service, the Centre urged other security and law enforcement leaders to follow his example of clear, accountable, and rights-focused leadership.

“We congratulate the Director-General on this well-deserved honor. As Nigeria faces tough security challenges, we need this kind of brave, thoughtful, and law-abiding leadership to protect our country and democracy,” the statement concluded.