The newly appointed Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, MON, officially assumed office on August 28, 2024. He was welcomed by his predecessor, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, CFR, fwc, who provided him with a briefing on key issues. Both leaders reminisced about their past collaborations and expressed mutual respect and admiration.
During the handover, Alhaji Bichi urged all DSS personnel to support the new DG in his efforts, while Mr. Ajayi emphasized the importance of unity and professionalism within the Service. He assured the staff of his commitment to working closely with relevant stakeholders to address Nigeria’s economic, political, and security challenges, aiming to foster the peace and stability essential for national development.
A key moment of the ceremony was the formal handing over of the DSS flag and insignias of office from the outgoing DG to Mr. Ajayi. Following the ceremony, the new DG took a tour of the National Headquarters, visiting various sections and encouraging staff to remain vigilant, resourceful, dedicated, and loyal to the Service and the nation.
Mr. Ajayi pledged to refocus the DSS towards increased covert operations and a strategic approach of studied silence on certain matters, underscoring a renewed commitment to discreet and effective intelligence gathering.
This transition marks a new chapter for the DSS as it continues its mission to safeguard Nigeria’s security interests.
Peter Afunanya, Ph.D, fsi, mnipr
Director of PR and Strategic Communications
Department of State Services
National Headquarters, Abuja
29th August, 2024