DSS hints on covert operations as new DG, Ajayi takes over

The new Director General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Adeola Ajayi, has said the agency would step up covert operations in gathering intelligence and confronting national security.

Ajayi said the DSS would also scale back on media operations.

President Bola Tinubu had appointed Ajayi on August 26, 2024 following the removal of Yusuf Bichi and assumed office on August 28, 2024.

However, addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Ajayi said the security agency needs to concentrate on its core mandate of covert operations so as to strengthen national security rather than being seen and heard.

Also, speaking at the press conference, the former DSS Director in charge of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Peter Afunanya, announced his redeployment.

However, a successor has not been named at this time.

Afunanya said the agency was determined to keep Nigerians informed with accurate and relevant information whenever the need arises.

He said: “What this means is that the DSS will continue to relate and engage with Nigerians through the media whenever the need arises.

“It does not mean that we want to operate in the dark or hide the truth from them.

“We will continue to engage with the Nigerian people whenever the need arises.

“But we want to stick to our core mandate of covert operation to promote national security and safety of Nigerians.”