The South South Defence Correspondents Forum (SSDCF) has applauded the appointment of Mr Adeola Ajayi as the new Director -General of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The forum lauded the new DSS chief’s appointment in a statement issued by its President, Comrade Jimitota Onoyume and Secretary,Mr Desmond Ejibas,in Port-Harcourt ,on Thursday.
President Bola Tinubu had on Monday announced the appointments of Ajayi as the new DSS boss and Mohammed Mohammed as the new Director -General of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA) .
The forum described Ajayi’s appointment as a round peg in a round hole.
It noted that the new DSS chief was a skilled and accomplished officer, recognised for his significant successes in securing Bauchi, Enugu, Bayelsa, Rivers and Kogi states.
“Ajayi, well-regarded for his intelligence gathering expertise and simplicity, will significantly enhance Nigeria’s security architecture.
“His operational efficiency and leadership will address insecurity as effectively as he did in the many states he served as Director of DSS.
“We are confident that his extensive experience will strengthen national security and foster the economic development of the country.
“Ajayi’s successful collaborations with other security agencies while leading DSS in Rivers reinforces our belief in his ability to tackle security challenges across the country,” the statement noted.
The forum recalled the new DSS chief’s achievements in Rivers, where he, alongside other security forces, significantly reduced militancy and kidnapping.
It said that Ajayi secured lengthy sentences for many of the notorious criminals, who terrorised the state at the time.
“One notable arrest was that of Don Wani, a notorious kidnapper and terrorist who masterminded the killings of 23 worshippers in Omoku, Rivers, on New Year’s Day in 2018.
“Ajayi led the operation that apprehended several dreaded criminals, ending insecurity in Rivers at that time.
“We are hopeful he would utilise his vast knowledge and experience to combat insecurity across Nigeria,” the forum said.
The forum congratulated Ajayi on his appointment, expressing confidence that he will do well in the new role. (NAN)