Ajayi's Leadership Transforms Nigeria's Intelligence-Media Relations

Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi has been the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) since August 2024. He is changing the historically adversarial relationship between Nigeria's intelligence community and the media by promoting professional engagement and community participation.

Ajayi has publicly stated that journalists should not be treated as criminals for performing their duties and has committed to fostering a more conducive environment for the media. His approach has garnered recognition, including awards from the International Press Institute, the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, which named him Man of the Year for 2026.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed Ajayi's direction, urging other security agencies to view the media as partners. Ajayi emphasizes intelligence-led and preventive security approaches, advocating for community involvement in the security architecture of Nigeria.