President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Folashade Arinola Adekaiyaoja as Deputy Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS). This marks the first time a President has approved such an appointment, aiming to enhance the agency’s efficiency by aligning with its original structure.
Sources revealed that the DSS hierarchy is designed to include three Deputy Directors General, a structure that had not been fully implemented before. The appointment, recommended by the DSS Director-General through National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, was ratified by the President in adherence to the Service’s regulations. A source described it as “unprecedented in the history of the Secret Service.”
Adekaiyaoja, a native of Kogi State, is celebrated by many officers and operatives who regard her as highly qualified for the position. It was gathered that this decision aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing the security of lives and property in Nigeria. The President had directed security agency leaders to propose measures for improved service delivery.
“It was on this note that the President approved the DG’s recommendation, which many serving and retired officers are confident would boost career progression in the Service,” a source disclosed.
In December, during the investiture ceremony of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) Executive Intelligence Management Course 17 graduates, President Tinubu reiterated his support for the DSS and other security agencies. He pledged to provide Artificial Intelligence-powered state-of-the-art equipment to tackle insecurity nationwide. Speaking through the National Security Adviser, he acknowledged contemporary security challenges and urged agencies to work together for the nation’s benefit.
The DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, who assumed office in August 2024, had earlier promised significant reforms to elevate the DSS into one of the world’s most efficient covert security organizations. His recommendations led to the historic appointment of Adekaiyaoja, which is expected to strengthen the agency’s operations and career progression pathways.
This development highlights the administration’s proactive approach to restructuring security frameworks for greater effectiveness while addressing pressing security concerns across the country.
