DSS Nigeria: Oluwatosin Ajayi Weapon Seizures Top 670 Firearms

• DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi reported the Service secured seven death sentences and other lengthy prison terms in terrorism cases, including four from the Owo incident.
• Between May 29, 2023, and August 2026, the DSS intercepted 676 sophisticated firearms and 332,874 rounds of ammunition across Nigeria.
• The DSS has adopted restorative justice, paying over N300 million in compensation for human rights violations, including an additional N10 million to a mistakenly shot Jos businessman.
• The Service has clarified that civil disputes should no longer result in arrests, with judicial interpretation or court redress to be sought instead.
• Ajayi, appointed in August 2024, advocates for stricter law enforcement, an end to the ethnicisation of criminality, and supports local security structures like state police.

In a notable commitment to human rights and accountability, the DSS has adopted a policy of restorative justice, which includes providing compensation to individuals adversely affected by its operations.

The Department of State Services (DSS), under the leadership of Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi, is spearheading a significant shift in Nigeria's anti-terrorism efforts, moving beyond mere arrests to prioritize securing convictions and advocating for harsher penalties. Ajayi, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2024, recently marked his second anniversary in office by emphasizing that intelligence gathering alone is insufficient to eradicate terrorism and other violent crimes. He underscored the necessity for stricter enforcement of existing laws and a renewed focus on judicial outcomes.

This strategic pivot has already yielded substantial results, particularly in terrorism-related cases. The DSS has successfully secured seven death sentences, including four stemming from the Owo case, and one each in Kogi, Katsina, and Sokoto. Beyond capital punishment, other convicted offenders have received lengthy prison terms, ranging from 20 to 40 years. Director-General Ajayi is actively pushing for even stiffer punishment for convicted terrorists, including those currently serving life sentences, citing the considerably altered security realities facing the nation. He also called for an end to the ethnicisation and politicisation of criminality, insisting that all criminals be treated according to the law, irrespective of their background.

The Service's intensified operations have also led to significant interdictions of illegal armaments. Between May 29, 2023, and August 2026, the DSS intercepted or recovered 676 sophisticated firearms and a staggering 332,874 rounds of ammunition. Ajayi highlighted that these achievements are part of broader progress over the past two years, attributed to improved inter-agency cooperation, diligent prosecution, and internal reforms aimed at enhancing accountability and respect for human rights within the Service.

Despite these successes, the Director-General acknowledged persistent challenges in combating insecurity across Nigeria. He identified difficult terrain, porous borders, and inadequate governance in remote communities as significant impediments to effective security operations. Specific examples cited include the Sahel region, the Lake Chad area, and the Niger Delta creeks, where conventional security approaches face considerable hurdles.

In response to these geographical and governance-related difficulties, Ajayi expressed support for localized security initiatives, such as the establishment of state police and forest guards. He argued that these local structures possess a superior understanding of their immediate environments and are better equipped to respond to threats in challenging landscapes. Furthermore, he stressed the critical need for security agencies to enhance their efforts in disrupting criminal supply chains, which are vital for sustaining illicit activities.

Ajayi also addressed the nature of intelligence work, noting that while many DSS successes remain classified, the ongoing attacks indicate a need for continuous improvement. He conceded that "intelligence all over the world can't be perfect," but maintained that the overarching objective is to reduce crime to the absolute minimum possible.

In a notable commitment to human rights and accountability, the DSS has adopted a policy of restorative justice, which includes providing compensation to individuals adversely affected by its operations. Director-General Ajayi revealed that the Service has disbursed over N300 million in various compensation cases. This initiative underscores a significant shift towards rectifying past wrongs and building public trust.

Illustrating this commitment, Ajayi detailed a case involving a Jos businessman who was mistakenly shot in 2016. The DSS not only provided medical treatment and assisted in rebuilding the man's livelihood but also paid an additional N10 million in compensation, supplementing a previous N10 million court award. Another instance involved a businesswoman who received compensation after being mistakenly arrested during an anti-oil-bunkering operation. Other victims have also received assistance, including the replacement of damaged mobile phones and educational scholarships.

Crucially, the DSS has also clarified its policy regarding arrests for civil disputes, stating that such matters should no longer lead to detentions. Instead, the Service will pursue judicial interpretation or redress through the courts when necessary. Ajayi further pledged ongoing protection for journalists, whom he described as "professional colleagues" who, like intelligence officers, gather information for the public and government, respectively. He concluded by advocating for a broader "attitudinal change and a total rebirth" within Nigeria.

Lawyers should note the DSS's intensified focus on securing convictions and stiffer penalties in terrorism cases, which could impact defense strategies and sentencing outcomes. Furthermore, the DSS's commitment to restorative justice and significant compensation for human rights violations (exceeding N300 million) provides a clear precedent and avenue for redress in cases of wrongful actions by the Service, particularly with the stated policy against arrests for civil disputes.

Source: Reporting from a recent DSS briefing