The Directors of the Department of State Services (DSS) from the North-West, alongside their counterparts from the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Plateau States, met in Kaduna on Thursday to review the current security situation and strengthen counter-terrorism measures across the region.
The strategic session, hosted by the Kaduna DSS Command, focused on improving intelligence sharing, enhancing inter-agency cooperation and refining both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to address terrorism, banditry and related security challenges.
Declaring the conference open, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said that intelligence-led collaboration remains essential to tackling insecurity in the North-West and beyond.
Describing the DSS as a critical institution for national stability, the governor praised the service for supporting democratic structures and disrupting violent networks.
He said the meeting offered an opportunity for “reflection, coordination, and strategic renewal,” emphasising the need for enhanced analytical capacity, technology-driven intelligence systems, and strengthened trust among security agencies.
He also encouraged security leaders to adopt peacebuilding approaches, including community engagement and preventive diplomacy, to promote justice, development and inclusion.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, commended the DSS for its continued collaboration with traditional institutions, noting that alternative dispute resolution processes supported by the agency have helped reduce case backlogs.
He also highlighted ongoing vetting of district and village heads as part of efforts to strengthen accountability.
The General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Mohammed Wase, represented by Brigadier General Mohammed Kana, emphasised the importance of DSS intelligence to military operations across the North-West.
Earlier, the Kaduna DSS Director, Hakeem Abiola, said the zonal meeting was aimed at strengthening joint responses to cross-border crimes and closing operational gaps.
He noted that under the leadership of Director-General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, the service had deployed both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, including community peacebuilding initiatives.
Abiola referenced the Kaduna Peace Model, a state-backed community security structure, as instrumental in improving safety along the Kaduna–Abuja, Kaduna–Kachia, and Birnin Gwari corridors.
He also cited recent joint operations resulting in arms seizures, the rescue of abducted persons and the disruption of attempted attacks.
He called for the establishment of a regional security forum involving security agencies, traditional rulers and political leaders to enhance coordinated responses to evolving threats.