Directors of the Department of State Services (DSS) from North-West states, along with their counterparts from the FCT, Niger, and Plateau States, met in Kaduna on Thursday to review prevailing security concerns and strengthen counter-terrorism strategies across the region.

The high-level meeting, hosted by the Kaduna DSS Command, focused on enhancing intelligence-sharing, improving inter-agency collaboration and refining both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to addressing terrorism, banditry and other 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 intelligence-driven cooperation remains central to tackling insecurity in the North-West and beyond.

Describing the DSS as a key institution for Nigeria’s internal stability, the governor commended the service for its role in strengthening national security, supporting democratic institutions and helping disrupt violent networks.

“This conference offers an opportunity for reflection, coordination, and strategic renewal,” he said, adding that modern security management requires stronger analytical capabilities, technology-enabled intelligence and mutual trust among agencies.

He also encouraged security leaders to adopt peacebuilding tools, including community engagement and preventive diplomacy, and to promote initiatives that reinforce justice, development and inclusion.

The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, commended the DSS for its continued collaboration with traditional institutions. He noted that alternative dispute resolution mechanisms supported by this partnership have helped reduce case backlogs in the Emirate. He also referenced ongoing vetting processes involving district and village heads, emphasising the value of early accountability in traditional leadership structures.

The General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Mohammed Wase—represented by Brigadier General Mohammed Kana—highlighted the contributions of the DSS, noting that many military operations in the North-West have been strengthened by timely and actionable intelligence.

Earlier, Kaduna DSS Director, Hakeem Abiola, said the zonal meeting was aimed at strengthening joint efforts and addressing operational gaps, particularly in combating cross-border crimes. He noted that under the leadership of the Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, the service had carried out both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, including community peace initiatives.

Abiola cited the Kaduna Peace Model, a state-supported community security framework, as an important factor in mitigating attacks along the Kaduna–Abuja, Kaduna–Kachia and Birnin Gwari corridors. He also noted recent joint operations that led to the interception of arms, the rescue of abducted victims and the disruption of planned attacks.

He called for the creation of a regional security forum involving security chiefs, traditional rulers and political leaders, saying coordinated regional cooperation is necessary to address evolving security threats. (Vanguard)