DSS Directors Plot Fresh Strategies Against North-West Insecurity
Top intelligence chiefs of the Department of State Services (DSS) from across Nigeria’s North-West zone have converged on Kaduna to review ongoing security challenges and strengthen inter-agency collaboration against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping in the region.
The high-level conference, held at the DSS Zonal Command office along Major General Muhammadu Buhari Way, brought together directors from the seven North-West states — Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kano, Sokoto, and Jigawa — alongside representatives from the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, and Plateau states.
Speaking at the event, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, described intelligence-driven coordination as the most effective tool to address the rising insecurity across the region. He commended the DSS for its proactive engagement, urging security agencies to deepen collaboration in intelligence sharing and joint operations.
The Kaduna DSS Director, Hakeem Abiola, explained that the conference was convened to “review operations, bridge communication gaps, and enhance synergy among stakeholders.” He added that the Service would deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, combining force with community engagement and preventive diplomacy to restore lasting peace in the North-West.
Traditional leaders also featured prominently in the discussions. The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, praised the DSS for supporting mediation and community-based conflict resolution efforts that have eased tensions and reduced litigation within local communities.
A representative of the Nigerian Army’s 1 Division reaffirmed the military’s partnership with the DSS, acknowledging that actionable intelligence from the Service has been instrumental in recent counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations across Kaduna and neighbouring states.
The gathering underscored the urgent need for joint efforts among security agencies, state governments, and community institutions to tackle the region’s worsening security challenges.
The North-West has endured years of violent banditry, mass abductions, and terrorism, with criminal networks operating across state and international borders.
The DSS meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to intensify intelligence sharing, enhance surveillance, and promote collaboration between security operatives and local communities.
Stakeholders agreed that lasting stability in the region would depend not only on military strength but also on dialogue, trust-building, and the active participation of traditional and community leaders.
