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The Centre for Public Integrity (CPI) has congratulated the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, on his receipt of The Sun Newspaper’s Courage in Leadership Award.
The group said the recognition reflected what it described as changes in the operations of the secret police under Ajayi’s leadership.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Job Samuel Danfulani, the CPI said the DSS had placed greater emphasis on constitutional provisions, professionalism and accountability.
It said, “This recognition by The Sun is not merely ceremonial; it is an objective verdict on a leader who has demonstrated the rare courage to modernise a critical security institution from within.”
The organisation also commended the Service for its operations against security threats, including the dismantling of arms networks and efforts to prevent attacks through intelligence gathering.
It particularly highlighted what it described as improved respect for court orders and judicial processes under Ajayi.
“For the first time in recent memory, Nigerians are witnessing a secret police leadership that actively submits its operations to the crucible of legal due process,” the statement said.
The CPI further claimed that the DSS had complied with court orders, reviewed previous operational actions and paid court-ordered compensation to individuals affected by wrongful arrests or prolonged detention.
The group said balancing security operations with respect for citizens’ rights was important for modern intelligence agencies.
It also urged other security and law enforcement agencies to adopt what it described as an accountable and rights-based approach to their operations.
The organisation called on Ajayi to see the award as motivation to continue serving the country.
“We congratulate the Director-General on this well-deserved feather in his cap. As Nigeria navigates complex security challenges, the nation requires precisely this brand of courageous, cerebral, and law-abiding stewardship to safeguard our sovereignty and democracy,” the statement added.
