Group Hails DSS Intelligence Gains, Urges Tinubu To Increase Security Agencies Funding

The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies for their recent operational successes against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and organised criminal activities, urging President Bola Tinubu to substantially increase funding for intelligence operations.

The organisation specifically praised the leadership of the DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, saying his emphasis on intelligence gathering, modern security technology, proactive operations and inter-agency collaboration had strengthened the country’s security architecture.

In a statement by its National Secretary, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, the group said the recent achievements reflected growing reliance on intelligence-driven operations to identify security threats, dismantle criminal networks and prevent attacks.

It cited the successful rescue of 10 passengers abducted from a commercial vehicle around Orita Fufu, Awa-Ijebu, in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area of Ogun State, following a joint operation involving the DSS, Nigeria Police Force and Amotekun security outfit.

The victims, including a National Youth Service Corps member, were rescued, while one suspected kidnapper was arrested and another reportedly killed during subsequent operations.

The CD recalled that Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, had commended the DSS Director-General for providing critical intelligence and sophisticated security equipment that aided the operation.

The organisation also highlighted a November 9 operation in Ogun State, which reportedly led to the neutralisation of another suspected kidnapper, the arrest of an 18-year-old suspect and the recovery of additional AK-47 rifles.

It further cited the October arrest of five suspected members of the gang responsible for abducting 20 prospective NYSC members in Imo State. The suspects were arrested in Rivers and Abia states during intelligence-led operations involving the DSS, military and police.

According to the organisation, DSS-led operations also contributed to the foiling of a planned mass kidnapping in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, where security forces reportedly neutralised 18 armed bandits and rescued 45 abducted persons.

It added that the interception of arms couriers across Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Benue states demonstrated the importance of intelligence operations in disrupting weapons supply networks.

The group also referenced figures presented at the November 5 security briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser, where the Armed Forces reported that operations in September and October resulted in 435 terrorists and bandits neutralised, 809 suspects arrested and 717 kidnapped victims rescued.

The police, during the same period, reported 1,519 arrests, the rescue of 255 kidnapped victims and the recovery of 191 firearms.

While describing the figures as encouraging, the CD urged the Federal Government to provide the DSS with greater financial and technological resources to sustain its operations.

It said modern intelligence gathering required sophisticated surveillance equipment, advanced communication systems, digital forensic capabilities, data analysis infrastructure, operational mobility and continuous personnel training.

The organisation also called for improved welfare packages and specialised training for security personnel, noting that adequate investment in intelligence would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to anticipate threats and protect lives and property.

It commended Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to national security, urging him to sustain the political will and funding needed to defeat terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.

The CD also appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible information about suspicious movements and activities in their communities.

It maintained that intelligence-driven operations, professional leadership, modern technology and sustained inter-agency cooperation remained critical to achieving lasting security across the country.