The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, has pledged to foster a safer and more enabling environment for journalists to perform their duties without fear of harassment or intimidation across Nigeria.
This commitment was made in a letter to the President of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed, following a commendation award presented to Ajayi by the media advocacy body. The award, received during IPI Nigeria’s Annual Conference on December 2, 2025, in Abuja, recognized his notable contributions to media freedom and journalist safety.
In his December 19, 2025, response, the DSS boss reiterated his dedication to “championing fair treatment of journalists and creating a conducive atmosphere for them to carry out their legitimate duties,” aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to protecting all Nigerians, regardless of profession.
Ajayi also revealed that he has initiated high-level engagements with heads of other security agencies to prioritize the protection and equitable treatment of press members nationwide. He commended IPI Nigeria for promoting responsible reporting on sensitive national issues and reaffirmed his commitment to continued collaboration.
IPI Nigeria, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Mr. Ahmed I. Shekarau, highlighted Ajayi’s “unmistakable commitment to press freedom” since his appointment in August 2024. The organization noted a significant shift in the agency’s approach under his leadership—from a history of journalist harassment to one marked by restraint, professionalism, and dialogue.
Several instances were cited to illustrate this positive change:
– The prompt release of journalist Adejuwon Soyinka following his detention in Lagos, upon Ajayi’s immediate intervention.
– The resolution of long-standing border harassment faced by International Press Centre Director Lanre Arogundade, after decades on an SSS watchlist.
– The constructive handling of the *Order Paper* case, where a journalist was detained over an inaccurate report, leading to withdrawn charges and an amicable resolution.
– A collaborative response to media reports during the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis, avoiding confrontation through evidence-based dialogue.
– Disciplinary action and a formal apology issued to journalists from Jay 101.9 FM in Jos, following their wrongful arrest—initiated without external prompting.
IPI Nigeria emphasized that the award aims not only to commend Ajayi’s efforts but also to inspire other public officials and institutions to emulate his example in upholding press freedom and journalist safety.
