DSS DG Identifies Causes of Terrorism in Nigeria

Oluwatosin Ajayi, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), outlined the factors contributing to the rise of terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria during an interview marking his two years in office and the 40th anniversary of the DSS. He stated that criminal groups exploit areas with limited government presence, turning them into havens for violent crimes.

Ajayi noted that Nigeria's security issues should not be viewed through ethnic or religious perspectives, asserting that crime should be treated uniformly regardless of the perpetrators' identities. He highlighted the historical context of criminality in Nigeria, referencing the kidnapping crisis in the South-East and South-South from 2003 to 2007, and the emergence of groups like Maitatsine and Kalakato.

Ajayi linked violence in Benue and Plateau states to longstanding disputes over land and resources between farming communities and Fulani herders, exacerbated by local criminal groups and international terrorist affiliations. He also pointed to the decline of governance in remote areas as a significant factor in the current security challenges.