By Odita Sunday
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, to institutionalise what it described as a new reform direction in the agency by making accountability, due process and respect for fundamental rights permanent features of intelligence operations.
HURIWA, while commending Ajayi for what it described as an encouraging shift towards more professional, accountable and human rights-compliant intelligence operations, said national security and protection of citizens’ rights should be treated as complementary pillars of constitutional democracy.
The group made its position known in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on Monday, August 31, 2026.
HURIWA particularly welcomed the reported review of old DSS watchlists, including restrictions dating back decades, arguing that outdated intelligence records should not continue to unjustifiably affect the liberty, dignity and freedom of movement of citizens.
It cited the resolution of the longstanding watchlist issue involving International Press Centre Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, as an example of why security classifications should be periodically reviewed.
The rights group also commended the reported compensation of persons affected by wrongful detention, mistaken identity or operational errors, saying acknowledgement of mistakes and provision of redress could strengthen public confidence in security institutions.
According to HURIWA, reported reviews that have resulted in the release of persons whose continued detention was no longer justified by available investigations were also welcome developments.
The association, however, cautioned that intelligence gathering must not become a substitute for due process.
While acknowledging the critical role of the DSS in combating terrorism, kidnapping, violent extremism, espionage and other security threats, HURIWA said security enforcement must remain anchored on legality, necessity, proportionality and respect for fundamental rights.
To consolidate the reported reforms, HURIWA called on Ajayi to introduce or strengthen mechanisms for monitoring human rights compliance, investigating complaints and recommending corrective action within the DSS.
The organisation also recommended that rights assessments be conducted before sensitive operations involving arrests, searches, surveillance and restrictions on citizens’ movement.
It called for periodic reviews of detainees’ cases to ensure that persons no longer required for investigation were released or lawfully prosecuted without unnecessary delay.
HURIWA further urged the DSS to institutionalise a transparent mechanism for compensating citizens who suffer proven wrongful detention, mistaken identity or operational violations.
The group also advocated stronger structured engagement between the DSS and the National Human Rights Commission, lawyers, credible civil society organisations and professional bodies.
It called for compulsory continuous training of DSS operatives on constitutional rights, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, Anti-Torture Act, lawful detention and international human-rights standards.
HURIWA further proposed accessible and accountable citizen complaint channels across DSS commands nationwide.
The association also urged the agency to strengthen its professional engagement with journalists and resolve disputes through dialogue and lawful processes.
The group said greater emphasis should be placed on early warning, community engagement, intelligence sharing and crime prevention in order to reduce unnecessary arrests and confrontation.
It also recommended the publication of an appropriately redacted annual Human Rights and Professional Standards Report covering complaints, detention reviews, disciplinary actions, redress and training.
HURIWA acknowledged that intelligence operations require confidentiality but warned that secrecy should not be allowed to shield security institutions from accountability.
“Secrecy must not become a shield against accountability,” the association said, maintaining that a modern intelligence service could protect classified information while respecting citizens’ constitutional rights.
HURIWA said Nigeria could build a security architecture capable of being tough on threats while remaining respectful of citizens’ rights.
It argued that respect for human rights was itself a national-security asset because citizens were more likely to cooperate with security institutions they trusted.
The organisation therefore commended Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi for the reported reform direction and urged him to consolidate the gains by making accountability, proportionality, due process, professional conduct and access to remedy permanent features of DSS operations.
“Nigeria needs a DSS that criminals fear, citizens trust and the Constitution can defend,” HURIWA said.
The statement was signed by Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, National Coordinator, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA).
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