HURIWA praises DSS chief for professionalism and intelligence-led reforms

Nigeria’s Human Rights Writers Association has welcomed what it describes as a more professional direction at the Department of State Services under Director-General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.

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The reported review of old DSS watchlists, including restrictions dating back decades, noting that outdated intelligence records should not continue to unjustifiably affect the liberty, dignity and freedom of movement of citizens.

In a statement issued in Abuja, HURIWA said the reported review of old DSS watchlists could prevent restrictions dating back decades from continuing to affect citizens’ liberty, dignity and freedom of movement. It pointed to the resolution of a longstanding watchlist issue involving Lanre Arogundade, executive director of the International Press Centre, as an example of why security classifications should be reviewed periodically.

The association also praised reported compensation for people affected by wrongful detention, mistaken identity or operational errors. It said that acknowledging mistakes, providing redress and learning from failures could strengthen public confidence in security institutions. HURIWA further welcomed reported reviews that led to the release of people whose continued detention was no longer justified by available investigations.

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HURIWA maintains that acknowledging mistakes, providing redress and learning from operational failures can strengthen public confidence in security institutions.

At the same time, the group stressed that intelligence gathering must not replace due process. While recognizing the DSS role in combating terrorism, kidnapping, violent extremism, espionage and other threats, it said enforcement should remain grounded in legality, necessity, proportionality and respect for fundamental rights.

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Intelligence gathering must never become a substitute for due process.

HURIWA called for permanent mechanisms to monitor rights compliance, investigate complaints and recommend corrective action. Its recommendations included human rights impact assessments, regular detention reviews, compensation, stronger civil society engagement, mandatory rights training, citizen complaint channels, responsible media engagement and preventive, rights-based intelligence. It urged Ajayi to make accountability, proportionality, due process, professional conduct and access to remedies lasting features of DSS operations.

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We therefore commend Mr. Ajayi for the reform direction and urge him to consolidate the gains by making accountability, proportionality, due process, professional conduct and access to remedy permanent features of DSS operations.