The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, has directed operatives of the agency to stop arresting individuals over civil disputes, emphasizing the need to uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights.

Ajayi said the directive forms part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving professionalism, accountability and operational efficiency within the agency.

He explained that the DSS is now drawing a clearer distinction between civil and criminal matters in the discharge of its duties.

According to the DSS chief, civil disputes should be resolved through legal processes rather than the use of force or arrests. He noted that the agency would increasingly rely on the courts whenever issues of a civil nature arise.

Ajayi cited several cases in which the DSS chose legal action instead of arrests, saying the approach reflects the agency’s commitment to constitutional procedures and judicial resolution of disputes.

He added that the reforms introduced since he assumed office focus on law enforcement, inter-agency cooperation, accountability, respect for human rights and administrative improvements.

The DSS boss maintained that the agency remains committed to carrying out its responsibilities within the framework of the law while strengthening public confidence in its operations.

The directive has been viewed as a significant policy shift aimed at ensuring that civil disagreements are handled through appropriate legal channels rather than security enforcement measures.