The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for what it described as an encouraging shift towards more professional, accountable and human rights-compliant intelligence operations.
In a statement signed on Monday, August 31, 2026, by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the group said national security and the protection of fundamental human rights should not be treated as competing objectives.
HURIWA argued that both are complementary pillars of constitutional democracy and should form the foundation of Nigeria’s security architecture.
The organisation particularly welcomed the reported review of old DSS watchlists and restrictions dating back several decades.
According to HURIWA, outdated intelligence records should not continue to unjustifiably restrict the liberty, dignity and freedom of movement of Nigerians.
It cited the reported resolution of the longstanding watchlist issue involving Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, as an example of why security classifications should be periodically reviewed.
The rights group also commended the reported compensation of individuals affected by wrongful detention, mistaken identity and operational errors.
It said the willingness of security institutions to acknowledge mistakes, provide redress and learn from operational failures could significantly improve public confidence in the security agencies.
HURIWA equally welcomed reported reviews that have resulted in the release of individuals whose continued detention was no longer supported by available investigations.
The organisation stressed that intelligence gathering and national security operations must never become substitutes for due process.
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While acknowledging the critical role of the DSS in combating terrorism, kidnapping, violent extremism, espionage and other security threats, HURIWA maintained that enforcement operations must remain guided by legality, necessity, proportionality and respect for fundamental rights.
The association urged the DSS leadership to institutionalise what it described as positive reforms by establishing or strengthening mechanisms dedicated to monitoring human rights compliance, investigating complaints and recommending corrective measures.
It also called for human rights impact assessments before sensitive operations involving arrests, searches, surveillance and restrictions on citizens’ movement.
HURIWA further advocated periodic reviews of detention cases to ensure that suspects who are no longer required for investigations are released or lawfully prosecuted without unnecessary delay.
The group called for a transparent redress and compensation mechanism for citizens who suffer proven wrongful detention, mistaken identity or other operational violations.
It also urged the DSS to deepen structured engagement with the National Human Rights Commission, lawyers, credible civil society organisations and professional bodies.
According to HURIWA, continuous training on constitutional rights, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the Anti-Torture Act, lawful detention procedures and international human rights standards should be made compulsory for DSS operatives.
The rights group also recommended the establishment of accessible and accountable complaint channels across DSS commands nationwide.
It urged the agency to strengthen professional engagement with journalists and resolve disputes through dialogue and lawful processes.
HURIWA further advocated greater emphasis on preventive and rights-based intelligence, including early-warning mechanisms, community engagement, intelligence sharing and crime prevention, arguing that such measures could reduce unnecessary arrests and confrontations.
It also proposed that the DSS publish an appropriately redacted annual Human Rights and Professional Standards Report detailing complaints received, detention reviews, disciplinary actions, redress measures and training programmes.
HURIWA acknowledged that intelligence operations require a high degree of confidentiality but cautioned that secrecy should not be used as a shield against accountability.
The association said a modern intelligence service could protect classified information while simultaneously respecting citizens’ constitutional rights.
“HURIWA believes Nigeria can build a security architecture that is tough on threats and respectful of citizens’ rights,” the statement said.
The group maintained that respect for human rights is itself a national-security asset because citizens are more likely to cooperate with security institutions they trust.