morganable news/security& justice
Ajayi disclosed that the DSS had continued to strengthen the tactical capabilities of its personnel to respond more effectively to emerging threats, adding that intelligence-driven operations would remain central to counterterrorism efforts.
KaNo—
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, has called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, government institutions, and local communities to effectively combat terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality in Nigeria’s North-West region.
Ajayi made the call on Thursday in Katsina at the second North-West Zonal Conference of State Directors of Security, organised by the DSS under the theme, “Unite Against Terror.”
The conference brought together key security stakeholders to deliberate on the worsening security challenges across the region and chart a unified course of action.
Represented at the event by the Chairman of the North-West Forum of State Directors of Security and Kano State Director of Security, Husseini Abubakar, Ajayi said the conference provided a critical platform to review the evolving security landscape, share operational experiences, and develop more effective strategies to contain threats.
“This edition of the Northwest SDSS Conference gives us another opportunity to compare notes, share experiences, assess evolving and endemic security challenges, particularly the threat of banditry, and devise appropriate containment strategies in the effort to secure our communities,” he said.
According to him, synergy among security agencies and the active involvement of communities remain crucial in the fight against terrorism.
DSS Responding To Emerging Threats
Ajayi disclosed that the DSS had continued to strengthen the tactical capabilities of its personnel to respond more effectively to emerging threats, adding that intelligence-driven operations would remain central to counterterrorism efforts.
He commended the existing collaboration among security and law enforcement agencies in the North-West, describing it as a vital component in efforts to restore peace and stability.
“As we go into the technical session, I am optimistic, and we should bear in mind that the war against terror is a task that must be accomplished,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Katsina State Director of Security, Alhassan Iliyasu, reiterated the importance of collective action in addressing insecurity. He noted that the theme of the conference underscored the need for a whole-of-society approach to security.
“By uniting against terror, it involves everybody, not only the security agencies, but the entire society,” Iliyasu said.
“If you observe in Katsina State, that theme, ‘Unite Against Terror,’ is no longer news because we live as one family. At any point in time, however late the day is, whoever you call among the action agencies, we are responding,” he added.
Iliyasu said the conference would provide an opportunity for participants to critically examine existing countermeasures, identify gaps, and develop new strategies to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other organised crimes.
Roadmap For Coordinated Security Revealed
He disclosed that a communiqué would be issued at the end of the deliberations, serving as a roadmap for coordinated security responses across the seven North-West states.
“At the end of the day, after brainstorming, we will come up with a communiqué, and the communiqué will be like a roadmap that will be used or considered for effective countermeasures against banditry and related criminal organisations in the entire North-West,” he said.
The director also urged residents to play an active role in intelligence gathering by reporting suspicious movements and activities to relevant authorities.
“Nobody should be left behind, because it is our civic responsibility to see something and say something, to hear something and report,” he said.
Participants at the conference included State Directors of Security from Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, as well as heads of other security agencies, traditional rulers, government officials, and retired security personnel.
Discussions at the conference are expected to focus on intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation, community engagement, and the deployment of technology to enhance security operations.
Nigerian Army Intensifies Operations Against Terrorists
Meanwhile, the Nigerian military has intensified its operations against terrorist and armed criminal groups in the North-West as part of Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
The Theatre Command of the Joint Task Force North West described the operation as a coordinated offensive aimed at disrupting terrorist networks, degrading their capabilities, and preventing the spread of criminal activities across the region.
According to him, the operation is designed to “intensify pressure on terrorist and armed criminal elements, disrupt their networks, and prevent infiltration and expansion of terrorist activities across the North West.”
Danja disclosed that troops had already recorded significant operational gains in both Katsina and Zamfara states.
In Katsina State, troops under Sector 2 conducted a clearance operation on August 12 in Dutsinma Local Government Area, targeting suspected terrorist hideouts.
“The operation mounted significant pressure on the terrorists, compelling them to abandon their positions and withdraw into surrounding bushes,” he said, noting that operations were ongoing in the area.
Danja said the strikes neutralised several terrorists and forced others to flee, abandoning their motorcycles and equipment.
“The Air asset subsequently acquired and engaged the rest of the terrorists,” he added.
He revealed that a major focus of the ongoing operation is to dismantle the Lakurawa terrorist network, which has been identified as a significant threat in the region.
The military is also working to prevent the infiltration of terrorist elements through border areas and to deny them access to logistics and safe havens.
Additionally, operations are targeting areas around the River Niger axis and the Kainji Lake National Park, which have been identified as potential bases for criminal activities.
Danja said the launch of Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV reflects the military’s proactive strategy in addressing evolving security threats.
“The theatre remains resolute in protecting civilian communities, securing Nigeria’s territorial integrity, and denying terrorist elements the opportunity to regroup or establish operational footholds,” he said.
Security analysts say the combined efforts of intelligence agencies and the military signal a renewed push to stabilise the North-West, which has been plagued by years of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorist attacks.
They, however, stress that sustained collaboration, community involvement, and effective implementation of strategies will be critical to achieving lasting peace in the region.
