The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Director‑General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, were among a number of security chiefs and public servants honoured for their leadership in the fight against insecurity at the 8th Silent Heroes Awards in Abuja.
The awards, organised by The Razor News, recognised distinguished Nigerians for “outstanding leadership and commitment to combating insecurity,” celebrating contributions to national security, peace and citizens’ safety.
Other recipients included Deputy Inspector‑General (rtd) Taiwo Lakanu, a commissioner on the Police Service Commission (PSC), and Chris Isiguzo, president of the Congress of African Journalists, who received the Silent Heroes Leadership Award.
Speakers at the ceremony urged greater public support for security agencies through patriotism, the provision of credible intelligence and stronger community collaboration. They said collective action remains crucial to tackling terrorism, banditry and other threats.
Chief Sunday Odita, publisher of The Razor News and founder of the Silent Heroes initiative, said the awards were created to recognise those who contribute to national development without seeking public acclaim. He paid tribute to security personnel who have paid the “supreme sacrifice” in defence of the nation and said continual recognition would inspire serving officers and reassure them that their sacrifices are valued.
“The journey of the Silent Heroes began, as all great ideas do, with a thought,” Odita said, reflecting on the initiative’s origins. “Our country bears peculiar complexities… Yet there has always remained space for another category of excellence—those who contribute just as profoundly, yet without the accompanying applause.”
Accepting his award, Mr Isiguzo described the honour as recognition of years of dedicated service to journalism and commended organisers for their objective assessment of recipients. “Wherever you are, people are watching you. Conduct yourself in ways that inspire confidence and strengthen democracy through service to the people,” he said.
John Onoja, commander of the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), described the initiative as timely and said it would promote patriotism, integrity and selfless service. He urged Nigerians to prioritise national interest, share credible information, and cooperate with security agencies, while calling on security personnel to perform their duties professionally and with respect for citizens’ rights.
Organisers said the Silent Heroes Awards aim to highlight and encourage selfless service across sectors, reinforcing the idea that security and national development are collective responsibilities.
