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Tue, 21 Jan 2025 Feature Article

An Open Letter To DG Adeola Ajayi: Strengthening The DSS To Combat Mental Health Challenges, Patterns Of Abuse, And Accountability Issues Across States

Adeola Ajayi  (Director-Genera, DSS)Adeola Ajayi (Director-Genera, DSS)

Dear Director-General Adeola Ajayi,
The Department of State Services (DSS) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding Nigeria’s national security and public order. However, troubling incidents involving alleged misconduct by DSS personnel in different states have raised significant concerns about the agency’s professionalism and accountability. As the leader of this vital institution, you have the opportunity toaddress these systemic challenges, rebuild trust, and set a new standard for excellence within the DSS.

While some allegations may be exaggerated or based on misunderstandings, the recurrence of such reports across multiple states reflects worrying patterns. These incidents demand urgent attention, as they tarnish the DSS’s reputation and undermine public confidence in its ability to uphold its mandate. Let me emphasize that this letter does not seek to vilify all DSS officers; many serve honorably and diligently under challenging conditions. However, the actions of a few have cast a shadow over the agency, and addressing these issues is imperative.

Allegations of Misconduct Across States

Edo State: Harassment of Journalists at the Election Tribunal

On January 20, 2025, DSS operatives were accused of harassing journalists covering the Edo State Election Tribunal. According to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), officers allegedly attempted to prevent reporters from performing their constitutional duties, an act described as a blatant attack on press freedom and democracy.

NUJ leaders demanded an apology and assurances that such incidents would not recur, warning that continued hostility toward the press could lead to boycotts of DSS activities. This case highlights the urgent need for clear protocols on how DSS personnel interact with journalists and the media.

Kebbi State: Assault Over an Electricity Bill

In Birnin Kebbi, a DSS officer reportedly assaulted journalist Mallam Shuaibu Zubair during a dispute over an unpaid electricity bill. Witnesses claimed that the officer slapped Zubair multiple times, attempted to strangle him, and issued a chilling threat, saying, “If I kill you, nothing will happen.”

This assault left Zubair with an aggravated eye condition and deep fear for his safety. He has since filed a lawsuit demanding accountability. This incident raises critical questions about the psychological readiness and training of DSS personnel tasked with protecting the public.

FCT Abuja: Shooting at Journalists During Protest

On August 5, 2024, masked men, suspected to be DSS operatives, allegedly fired shots at journalists covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in Abuja. A vehicle carrying journalists from Premium Times, The Cable, PUNCH, and Peoples Gazette was struck multiple times, with three bullets piercing its bumper.

A video journalist from AIT, Femi Kuku, reportedly broke his leg while fleeing. Although DSS spokesman Peter Afunanyadenied the involvement of DSS officers and promised an investigation, the lack of accountability and the presence of masked operatives raised questions about the agency’s transparency.

Patterns of Concern
These incidents, spread across multiple states, point to systemic issues within the DSS. Could some officers be silently battling psychological instability while armed with lethal weapons? Is there a possibility that substance abuse—whether drugs or alcohol—might be influencing the behavior of some personnel? While these questions remain speculative, the consistency of reports suggests that deeper issues may be at play, warranting immediate action.

Unchecked aggression and misconduct erode public trust in the DSS and compromise its ability to fulfill its mandate effectively. Beyond weakening the agency domestically, these issues also affect the nation’s global image, casting doubt on Nigeria’s commitment to upholding the principles of a growing democracy under President Bola Tinubu. Addressing these patterns requires acknowledging that systemic flaws exist and taking proactive steps to correct them, ensuring that the DSS embodies the integrity and professionalism expected in a maturing democratic system.

The Need for Psychological Evaluations

One critical area of reform is the psychological readiness of DSS personnel. Mandatory psychological evaluations should be introduced during recruitment and conducted periodically throughout an officer’s career. These assessments can help identify individuals prone to aggression, emotional instability, or behavioral traits that may pose risks to public safety.

However, given Nigeria’s challenges with corruption and compromised processes, these evaluations must be conducted in neutral, professional settings. Institutions like the Department of Psychology at Nasarawa State University in Keffi, under the leadership of Dr. Abubakar Tafida, can offer reliable, ethical, and transparent psychological assessments.

As a psychologist based in the United States, I am also willing to collaborate with Dr. Tafida and the DSS virtually to develop and implement a robust system of evaluations. My commitment to this initiative extends to offering my services at an exceptional minimal or almost no fee, as my ultimate goal is to support the betterment of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and security apparatus.

Addressing Substance Abuse and Stress
While unconfirmed, the possibility of substance abuse among DSS personnel must be addressed proactively. Regular and random drug and alcohol testing, combined with counseling programs, can ensure that officers remain fit for duty. A single compromised officer can jeopardize not only public safety but also the credibility of the entire agency.

Equally important are stress management programs designed to help officers cope with the demands of their roles. High-pressure environments can lead to burnout, aggression, and poor decision-making, all of which undermine professionalism. Providing adequate support systems will enhance the well-being and effectiveness of DSS personnel.

Enhancing Training and Accountability
Training programs must be restructured to emphasize conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, and respect for human rights. Officers must be equipped with the tools to manage disputes constructively and avoid unnecessary confrontations.

Accountability mechanisms must also be strengthened. Complaints against DSS personnel should be investigated by independent bodies to ensure impartiality and transparency. Relying on internal investigations undermines public confidence and perpetuates a culture of impunity. Establishing clear consequences for misconduct will reinforce the message that abusive behavior will not be tolerated.

Rebuilding Public Trust
Public trust is the foundation of effective law enforcement. The DSS must prioritize transparency and engagement with the communities it serves. Open dialogues with journalists, civil society organizations, and community leaders can foster collaboration and mutual understanding. Clear protocols for handling sensitive situations, such as protests, are also essential to prevent unnecessary escalations.

While denial and deflection may seem like convenient responses in the short term, they come at a significant cost. This approach, a typical way among Nigerian public officials, not only hinders progress but also perpetuates systemic failures, eroding public trust and confidence in institutions like the DSS. Such mistrust weakens the agency's ability to function effectively and undermines its credibility. Acknowledging and addressing these systemic issues head-on is essential to demonstrating the DSS's commitment to upholding its mandate with integrity and fostering long-term public confidence in its operations.

Offering My Support
Director-General Ajayi, as part of my commitment to fostering reform in Nigeria’s security sector, I am offering my expertise to support the DSS in these efforts. Through periodic virtual training sessions and workshops, I can help develop the skills and frameworks necessary to enhance the professionalism and accountability of DSS personnel.

Collaborating with neutral and reputable institutions, such as Nasarawa State University in Keffi, would ensure these initiatives are delivered with integrity. My involvement in this initiative will be offered at an exceptional minimal or almost no fee, as I prioritize the betterment of Nigeria’s institutions over financial gain.

A Call to Action
Director-General Ajayi, the DSS holds a critical role in Nigeria’s national security framework. Your leadership offers a unique opportunity to implement reforms that address the root causes of misconduct, rebuild public trust, and strengthen the agency’s capacity to fulfill its mandate.

The time for action is now. Nigeria deserves a DSS that upholds its citizens’ rights while protecting the nation. I look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you and your team to make these reforms a reality.

Sincerely,
Psychologist John Egbeazien Oshodi

John Egbeazien Oshodi
John Egbeazien Oshodi, © 2025

John Egbeazien Oshodi was born in Uromi, Edo State in Nigeria and is an American-based Police/Prison Scientist and Forensic/Clinical/Legal Psychologist.. More John Egbeazien Oshodi, who was born in Uromi, Edo State in Nigeria to a father who served in the Nigeria police for 37 years, is an American-based Police/Prison Scientist and Forensic/Clinical/Legal Psychologist.

A government consultant on matters of forensic-clinical adult and child psychological services in the USA; Chief Educator and Clinician at the Transatlantic Enrichment and Refresher Institute, an Online Lifelong Center for Personal, Professional, and Career Development.

He is a former Interim Associate Dean/Assistant Professor at Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings In 2011, he introduced State-of-the-Art Forensic Psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor.

He is currently a Virtual Behavioral Leadership Professor at ISCOM University, Republic of Benin. Founder of the proposed Transatlantic Egbeazien Open University (TEU) of Values and Ethics, a digital project of Truth, Ethics, and Openness. Over forty academic publications and creations, at least 200 public opinion pieces on African issues, and various books have been written by him.

He specializes in psycho-prescriptive writings regarding African institutional and governance issues.
Column: John Egbeazien Oshodi

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