HURIWA Commends DSS Reforms, Urges Ajayi to Deepen Rights-Based Intelligence Operations

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for what it described as an encouraging move towards more professional, accountable and human rights-compliant intelligence operations.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on Monday, August 31, 2026, the organisation said national security and the protection of fundamental human rights should not be treated as competing priorities.

HURIWA argued that both are essential pillars of a functioning constitutional democracy and urged the DSS leadership to sustain what it described as positive reforms within the intelligence agency.

The rights group particularly welcomed the reported review of old DSS watchlists, including restrictions that have remained in place for decades.

According to HURIWA, outdated intelligence records and security classifications should not continue to unjustifiably restrict citizens’ liberty, dignity or freedom of movement.

It cited the resolution of the longstanding watchlist issue involving International Press Centre Executive Director, Mr Lanre Arogundade, as an example of why security classifications should be periodically reviewed.

The organisation also praised the reported compensation of individuals affected by wrongful detention, mistaken identity and operational errors.

HURIWA said recognising mistakes and providing redress for people affected by security operations could help rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.

It equally welcomed reported reviews that have resulted in the release of individuals whose continued detention was no longer considered justified by available investigations.

HURIWA, however, stressed that intelligence gathering and national security operations must remain within the boundaries of the law.

While acknowledging the DSS’s crucial role in combating terrorism, kidnapping, violent extremism, espionage and other threats to national security, the organisation said security enforcement must be guided by legality, necessity, proportionality and respect for fundamental rights.

It warned that intelligence operations should not become a substitute for due process or provide justification for unnecessary restrictions on citizens.

To consolidate the reform process, HURIWA called on the DSS leadership to institutionalise a number of measures aimed at strengthening professionalism and accountability.

The organisation recommended the establishment or strengthening of a dedicated human rights and professional standards mechanism to monitor rights compliance, investigate complaints and recommend corrective action.

It also called for human rights impact assessments before sensitive operations involving arrests, searches, surveillance and restrictions on citizens’ movement.

On detention, HURIWA urged the DSS to conduct periodic reviews of detainees’ cases to ensure that people no longer required for investigations are released or lawfully prosecuted without unnecessary delay.

The group further advocated a transparent redress and compensation mechanism for citizens who suffer proven wrongful detention, mistaken identity or other operational violations.

It urged the DSS to deepen engagement with the National Human Rights Commission, lawyers, credible civil society organisations and professional bodies.

HURIWA also called for compulsory and continuous training for DSS personnel on constitutional rights, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the Anti-Torture Act, lawful detention and international human rights standards.

The organisation proposed the creation of accessible citizen complaint channels across DSS commands nationwide, as well as stronger professional engagement between the agency and journalists.

HURIWA said the DSS should place greater emphasis on preventive and rights-based intelligence, including early-warning mechanisms, community engagement, intelligence sharing and crime prevention.

It also recommended that the agency publish an appropriately redacted annual Human Rights and Professional Standards Report containing information on complaints, detention reviews, disciplinary actions, redress and training.

The organisation acknowledged that intelligence operations require a high degree of confidentiality, but maintained that secrecy should not become a shield against accountability.

“A modern intelligence service can protect classified information while respecting citizens’ constitutional rights,” HURIWA said.

HURIWA said respect for human rights should be viewed as a national-security asset because citizens are more likely to cooperate with security institutions they trust.

The organisation therefore urged Ajayi to consolidate the reported reforms by making accountability, proportionality, due process, professional conduct and access to remedy permanent features of DSS operations.

HURIWA concluded with a call for a security service capable of confronting serious threats while maintaining public confidence and constitutional safeguards.

“Nigeria needs a DSS that criminals fear, citizens trust and the Constitution can defend,” the organisation said.