DSS Chief Ajayi pledges stronger protection for journalists

Commits to Media-Friendly Security Approach

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has reaffirmed his commitment to creating a more enabling and secure environment for journalists and media professionals to carry out their duties across Nigeria.

Ajayi made the pledge in a letter addressed to the President of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, following a commendation award presented to him by the media advocacy organisation. The letter, dated December 19, 2025, was personally signed by the DSS boss.

In the correspondence, Ajayi stated that he would continue to “champion fair treatment of journalists and ensure a conducive atmosphere for them to carry out their legitimate duties,” noting that the resolve aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to protecting all Nigerians, regardless of tribe, religion, or profession.

He also disclosed that he has begun consultations with the heads of other security agencies to emphasise the importance of safeguarding journalists and ensuring they are treated fairly nationwide.

“I have initiated further engagements with my colleagues and heads of other security agencies to prioritise the protection and fair treatment of members of the press across the country,” he said.

Ajayi further praised IPI Nigeria for its consistent promotion of responsible and balanced reporting on sensitive national security and development issues, while reaffirming his willingness to sustain cooperation with the organisation and its members.

In a statement signed by the Secretary of IPI Nigeria, Ahmed I. Shekarau, the organisation recalled that the commendation award was presented to Ajayi at its 2025 Annual Conference held on December 2 in Abuja. The honour, it said, recognised his notable commitment to media freedom and the safety of journalists.

According to IPI Nigeria, since Ajayi’s appointment as DSS Director-General in late August 2024, the Service has demonstrated a clear shift in its relationship with the media.

“Unlike in previous years, when the DSS was notorious for harassment, intimidation, and arrests of journalists, the agency under Mr. Ajayi’s leadership has shown remarkable restraint, professionalism, and openness to dialogue,” the organisation stated, adding that disputes are now resolved through engagement rather than coercion.

IPI Nigeria cited several cases to support its position. It recalled that shortly after Ajayi assumed office, journalist Adejuwon Soyinka was detained in Lagos, but was released within hours after the DG intervened following a complaint by the organisation.

The group also highlighted Ajayi’s swift resolution of the long-standing harassment of Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, who had been repeatedly stopped at Nigeria’s borders for decades over an old DSS watchlist entry from the 1980s. The issue was resolved after Ajayi acted on a formal complaint.

In another instance involving the Order Paper newspaper, IPI Nigeria said a journalist was arrested over an inaccurate report alleging DSS interference at the National Assembly. Ajayi, upon being informed, ordered the journalist’s release on administrative bail, after which all charges were withdrawn and the matter closed through dialogue.

Similarly, during the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis in February 2025, the DSS opted for engagement rather than confrontation with the media. IPI Nigeria said the disagreement was resolved amicably after the agency clarified that it had been invited to secure the Assembly complex.

The organisation further revealed that in October 2025, Ajayi, without prompting, ordered disciplinary action against DSS officers involved in the arrest and detention of two journalists from Jay 101.9 FM in Jos. He also directed that a formal apology be issued to the affected journalists and their station.

IPI Nigeria said it publicly recognised Ajayi’s commitment to press freedom not only to encourage him to sustain the approach, but also to inspire other public officials and institutions to follow his example.