HURIWA Commends DSS Reforms Under Mr. Ajayi's Leadership

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has praised Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), for implementing reforms aimed at enhancing professionalism and accountability in intelligence operations. In a statement issued in Abuja, HURIWA welcomed the review of outdated DSS watchlists, which included restrictions that have persisted for decades, emphasizing that such outdated intelligence should not infringe upon citizens' liberty and freedom of movement.

HURIWA cited the resolution of the watchlist issue involving Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, as a significant step. The organization also commended the DSS for compensating individuals wrongfully detained or affected by operational errors.

HURIWA stressed the importance of due process in intelligence gathering and urged the DSS to institutionalize reforms that ensure rights compliance, including human rights training for operatives and mechanisms for citizen complaints.