The Director General of the State Security Service, Oluwatosin Ajayi, speaks to PREMIUM TIMES on how he is reforming the SSS. In this rare interview, the Director General of the State Security Service, Oluwatosin Ajayi, speaks on the agency’s institutional reforms, international cooperation and the fight against terrorism and other crimes. PT: Thank you for finally honouring our request for an interview after several failed attempts. DG SSS: You are welcome.
I changed my mind to encourage the improved relationship between the media and security agencies in Nigeria. Moreso, it is not unusual with intelligence organisations globally to do this when the need arises. Our counterpart, the current Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), held a televised briefing on 16th September 2025, in which he spoke about the Agency’s fight against criminal cartels, terrorism, and drug traffickers.
Traditionally, the MI6 Chief also makes annual public speech aimed at building public trust and explaining threats. PT: Your Service is 40 years now. That’s a huge milestone. We expected some fanfare, but you seem to be celebrating quietly. Can you walk us through your experience over the past decades? What has it been like and what has happened so far?
DG SSS: Intelligence organisations are not disposed to public fanfare; we hold most of our celebrations internally. Moreso, the mood of the nation does not warrant that now. The background is that I grew up in the Service. I started as a Cadet Officer, rose through the ranks, and, by God’s grace, I am here. So, I have been part of the system. I therefore acknowledge our challenges and problems.
I also know the strengths and weaknesses of the system. Thus, what I have done over the last two years is not different from what I did at every level