Senior officials of the Department of State Services from the North-West region have convened in Kaduna to review security challenges and strengthen collaboration in addressing banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the zone.
The meeting, which began on Thursday at the DSS headquarters along Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari Way, drew directors from Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Jigawa states.
Security representatives from the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Plateau states also joined the session alongside heads of major security formations.
Declaring the meeting open on behalf of Governor Uba Sani, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), stressed that intelligence-driven cooperation remained crucial to restoring stability in the region.
“The DSS has consistently served as the invisible backbone of Nigeria’s internal security,” he said.
“This conference provides an important opportunity for reflection, coordination and strategic renewal.”
He noted that Kaduna State has maintained a strong intelligence-led security model, working closely with the DSS and other agencies to disrupt terror cells, violent extremism and sabotage.
Shuaibu also urged security institutions to combine force with dialogue and social engagement.
“Peace must be pursued through justice, development and inclusion,” he added.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, who attended the event, commended the DSS for partnering with traditional institutions to resolve community disputes.
He disclosed that mediation efforts supported by the service had helped reduce the caseload in the emirate’s courts.
“Through DSS-assisted conflict resolution mechanisms, over 2,000 disputes were settled without litigation in the last two years,” the Emir said.
“The vetting of district and village heads has also helped prevent exploitation by unfit traditional officials.”
The military also acknowledged the role of intelligence in recent counter-banditry operations. Speaking on behalf of the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Kana said data shared by the DSS had been instrumental.
“Our successes are driven largely by timely and actionable intelligence from the DSS,” he stated.
Earlier, the Kaduna State Director of the DSS, Hakeem Abiola, said the zonal meeting was organised to evaluate field operations and improve synergy among sister agencies.
“We are strengthening both kinetic and non-kinetic responses, including sustained community engagement to build trust and prevent conflicts before they escalate,” Abiola said.
The meeting is expected to produce a renewed framework for intelligence sharing and coordinated operations across the North-West.
