Covert National Security: A Renewed Paradigm for Enhancing Nigeria’s Security Architecture

Covert National Security: A Renewed Paradigm for Enhancing Nigeria’s Security Architecture

In the dynamic and often volatile terrain of Nigeria’s security landscape, a renewed paradigm is quietly but firmly taking root and anchored by the strategic leadership of Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, MON, the current Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS). Since his appointment, Ajayi has initiated thoughtful reforms designed to fortify national security through covert intelligence, silent resilience, and a refined emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

Mr. Ajayi brings a wealth of experience to the table, having risen through the ranks and served as State Director of the DSS across Enugu, Rivers, Bauchi, Kogi, and Bayelsa States. His career trajectory reflects a deep understanding of Nigeria’s security dynamics from the grassroots to the national level. Now at the helm of the nation’s foremost intelligence agency, he is recalibrating its operations toward a more covert, intelligence-driven model, championing the likelihood of “studied silence” over overt declarations, a shift signaling maturity in operational discretion.

At the heart of his leadership philosophy is *inter-agency collaboration*. Ajayi has been emphatic about the need for strong coordination between security outfits to tackle Nigeria’s multifaceted threats. This includes cyber threats, terrorism, political unrest, and economic sabotage. His ongoing engagement with stakeholders demonstrates a commitment to building a unified front in the country’s fight for peace and stability.

He has also prioritized technology integration, modern surveillance techniques, and capacity-building—ensuring that the DSS evolves in step with emerging global security trends. His pledge to work with utmost commitment and a deep sense of responsibility reflects in how the agency is repositioning itself as both proactive and silent, but never absent.

With peace and development as his long-term vision, Mr. Ajayi’s tenure is defining a new era in Nigeria’s security architecture, one rooted in strategic foresight, intelligence-led operations, and a quietly effective posture in safeguarding the nation.

*A Press article of the Centre for Leadership and Creative Entrepreneurs in Africa LTD/GTE*
*29th June, 2025*