DSS Chief Urges Nigerians to Take Responsibility for Their Own Security
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, has called on Nigerians to take an active role in securing their communities, stating that the military, police, and intelligence agencies alone cannot protect every part of the country from terrorist attacks.
Speaking during a public engagement broadcasted by Symfoni, Ajayi stressed the importance of community-driven security efforts, citing past incidents where local residents successfully defended themselves against insurgents.
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Communities as the First Line of Defense
Ajayi highlighted a past Boko Haram attack in Azare, Bauchi State, where the community resisted and ultimately repelled the terrorists.
“A group of Boko Haram terrorists invaded Azare, shooting in an attempt to kidnap people. But the community fought back. Some members of the community were killed, but in the end, the people eliminated all of them. Since that day, there has not been a single terrorist attack in Azare.”
He also referenced Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area in Bauchi State, where locals used their knowledge of the terrain to ambush and disarm attackers, making the area safer ever since.
Support from Former Leaders
Ajayi noted that former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), had also praised the Azare model as an effective way to curb terrorism.
“General Babangida once said, ‘If we want to stop or curb terrorism, we should emulate the Azare example.’”
Ajayi emphasized that communities must be proactive, stating that no security agency has the capacity to deploy personnel to every village and town.
Call for a Collective Approach to Security
The DSS chief urged Nigerians to rethink self-defense and security, emphasizing that every community must play a role in protecting itself.
“Our culture is communal. We celebrate weddings and ceremonies together, so why can’t we also unite against criminals? Communities must make it clear: ‘You cannot come here.’”
He further challenged influential figures and Nigerian elites to encourage this model in their communities, stressing that security should not be left to the government alone.
“Those of us with influence must engage with our communities. Come to us, seek guidance, and we can work together to stop these criminals.”
Ajayi’s remarks reinforce the growing call for community-led security initiatives as Nigeria continues to battle insecurity across various regions.
