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VIDEO: DSS DIRECTOR GENERAL CALLS FOR COMMUNITIES TO DEFEND THEMSELVES

Director General of the Department of State Security Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, has called on Nigerian communities to take up self-defense as the first line of defense against attacks. Speaking at a high-profile security gathering, Ajayi urged communities to seek guidance and take necessary actions to protect themselves. Ajayi emphasized that community leaders must rise to the occasion and support their communities with guidance. He cited his own community in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, where they have organized themselves into four quarters with his guidance. Ajayi’s call to action comes amidst growing concerns over attacks by Fulani herdsmen on innocent communities. He stressed that it is not enough to lament on social media about these attacks, emphasizing that communities must take action to defend themselves. “They will not stop until all indigenous communities arm themselves,” Ajayi warned. The DSS Director General noted that Fulani herdsmen have the upper hand in these attacks because they carry guns, while community youths are often left to defend themselves with cutlasses. Ajayi’s comments have been interpreted as an invitation for communities to arm themselves as a first line of defense. Ajayi’s call to action has sparked concerns about the potential escalation of violence. However, he emphasized that community defense is essential, citing past cases where local communities successfully repelled attacks without waiting for security forces.

AFRICA INDEPENDENT TELEVISION AND CHANNELS TELEVISION APOLOGISE TO DEPARTMENT OF STATE SERVICES OVER LAGOS ASSEMBLY CRISIS REPORT

Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Channels Television have publicly apologised to the Department of State Services (DSS) for their reports on the agency’s involvement in the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis on February 17. AIT News retracted its initial report, clarifying that its reporting was based on eyewitness accounts but acknowledged that the information was incomplete and had unintentionally misrepresented the role of the DSS. “AIT News wishes to apologise to the Department of State Services for the news item broadcast during our bulletin on Monday 17th February 2025, regarding the presence of DSS at the Lagos State House of Assembly,” the station stated. Channels TV also offered an apology during its program, Politics Today, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye. Okinbaloye stated that the situation had been misinterpreted, with initial videos portraying a picture of lawmakers shocked by the DSS presence, suggesting an invasion by the DSS. However, it was later revealed that the clerk of the House had formally requested the DSS’s presence for protection. “It came to light in some of the letters that we actually now saw that it was the clerk of the Lagos Assembly who actually wrote for DSS protection at the House of Assembly,” Okinbaloye said. “I think it’s right to apologise to the service to say the use of invasion might not be the right word to use because it was portrayed as though the DSS invaded, they were not invited, but it came to light that there was no decency in how they carried out their work”. The DSS had threatened legal action against both media stations, accusing them of publishing false and malicious reports. The agency demanded an immediate retraction and public apology to be aired across all platforms for three consecutive days. The apologies come after the DSS refuted claims that it had engaged in any unlawful activities at the Assembly complex, explaining that its role was to support existing security forces.

LAGOS STATE ASSEMBLY SPEAKER’S OFFICE SEALED OFF BY SECURITY AGENCIES

In a shocking turn of events, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police have sealed off the offices of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, and her deputy. The sudden security intervention at the Assembly complex has sparked tension and fueled rumors of a potential leadership change. Sources suggest that the lockdown is linked to political maneuverings aimed at reversing the recent change in leadership, which saw Meranda become the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, following the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, 2025. Despite the uncertainty, Speaker Meranda arrived at the Assembly to a rousing welcome from her colleagues and staff. The enthusiastic reception underscored the strong backing she enjoys within the legislative body, reinforcing her position amid the unfolding power struggle. The warm welcome given to Speaker Meranda signals her resilience in the face of political tension, as Assembly members and staff rallied around her to affirm their support. However, the unfolding drama raises concerns about the role of security agencies in legislative affairs, with political analysts warning that such interventions could set a troubling precedent for governance in Lagos State. As events continue to develop, all eyes remain on the Lagos State Assembly to see whether this power tussle will escalate or be resolved amicably.

LAGOS ASSEMBLY CONFIRMS RELEASE OF DETAINED MEMBERS BY DSS

The Lagos State House of Assembly has confirmed that some of its members who were detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) over the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker have been released. The House commended the engagement with the DSS after the legislators honoured the invitation of the security agency to provide insights into the situation. According to a statement signed by Ogundipe Stephen on behalf of the legislators, the removal of the former speaker was done in compliance with the constitution and the rules guiding the Assembly’s internal procedures without external interference. The statement emphasized that the January 13th action followed the provisions of Sections 92 and 96, which outline the process for the election and removal of the Speaker. The former speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, had earlier insisted that he remained the speaker because his removal was not carried out according to the rules. However, the Assembly maintained that his removal was lawful and in the best interest of the people of Lagos. Some members of the Assembly, including Ogunkelu Sylvester, Gbolahan Yishawu, and Lanre Affinih, were earlier invited for questioning by the DSS before they were joined by their colleagues at the Shangisha State office of the security agency on Thursday.

EDO NUJ CONDEMNS ATTACK ON JOURNALISTS BY DSS OPERATIVES

The Chairman, Edo NUJ, Dr. Festus Alenkhe, and the Secretary, Edo NUJ, Andy Egbon, in a statement, have strongly condemned the unwarranted attack on journalists by officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal sitting on Monday, January 20, 2025. The attempt to bar journalists from performing their constitutional duties is a blatant assault on press freedom and the fundamental right of citizens to information and free speech. Dr. Alenkhe and Egbon described the actions of the DSS operatives as “unacceptable” and a clear indication of the growing hostility towards the media in Nigeria. They called on the Director-General of the DSS and the Edo State Director of the service to take immediate steps to caution their personnel and prevent future occurrences. The Edo NUJ leadership stood in solidarity with their colleagues who were harassed and intimidated by the DSS operatives, demanding an unconditional apology to the NUJ and an assurance that journalists will be allowed to perform their duties without hindrance. Failure to comply, the union threatened to take further steps, including boycotting activities of the organization in Edo State. Andy Egbon emphasized that the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, will continue to advocate for press freedom and the protection of journalists’ rights. “We urge all stakeholders to join us in condemning this brazen attack on democracy and the free press,” Dr. Alenkhe added.

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES HISTORIC APPOINTMENT OF FOLASHADE ADEKAIYAOJA AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL OF DSS

In a landmark move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Folashade Arinola Adekaiyaoja as the first Deputy Director General (DDG) of the Department of State Services (DSS). This historic appointment aligns with the DSS’s original organogram, which requires three Deputy Directors General, and has been widely commended by serving and retired officers. According to a senior security source, “This is a landmark decision. It will not only boost morale but also improve operational effectiveness.” The appointment is seen as a strategic step to restore professionalism and improve career progression within the agency. Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, who assumed office in August 2024, had promised comprehensive reforms to transform the Service into a world-class covert security agency. Adekaiyaoja’s appointment, recommended by Mr. Ajayi through the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, reflects the administration’s commitment to fulfilling that pledge. President Tinubu’s directive to heads of security agencies to propose measures for improving service delivery underscores the administration’s focus on security. A source explained, “The President’s approval of this appointment demonstrates his determination to strengthen the DSS’s hierarchy and performance.” Folashade Adekaiyaoja, a native of Kogi State, is celebrated for her qualifications and contributions to the Service. Her appointment marks a significant milestone, being the first of its kind in the DSS’s history. President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to supporting the DSS during the investiture ceremony of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) Executive Intelligence Management Course 17 graduates in December 2024. He assured that security agencies would be equipped with artificial intelligence-powered tools to address contemporary challenges. Mallam Ribadu stated at the event, “The President is aware of the complexities of modern security challenges and has tasked us to work together for the good of Nigerians.” This appointment is expected to pave the way for further innovations in Nigeria’s security architecture while bolstering public confidence in the DSS.