New SSS Boss Shakes Up Agency, Ends Political Postings, Boosts Morale with Salary Increase, Other Reforms – Report

The newly appointed Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), Adeola Ajayi, has introduced significant reforms aimed at boosting the integrity, professionalism, and morale of the agency’s personnel. Appointed less than a month ago by President Bola Tinubu, Ajayi has swiftly implemented changes that are already gaining attention, according to inside sources.

One of the most notable reforms is the implementation of a 25% salary increment for public service officers, a raise that had been previously approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari. Under Ajayi’s leadership, the SSS has paid arrears covering January to August 2024, addressing an issue that was left unattended by his predecessor, Yusuf Bichi.

In addition to salary adjustments, Ajayi has issued a directive to curb the practice of indiscriminately posting SSS personnel to serve politicians and high-profile government officials, a move that many see as an effort to restore the agency’s prestige and refocus on its core mandate of national security.

According to the new guidelines, only certain ranks are now permitted to be posted to key government officials. For example, Security Intelligence Officers I (SIOs I) will now handle postings to state government houses, while ministers will be assigned Security Intelligence Officers II (SIOs II). Higher ranks, such as Assistant Directors of Internal Security (ADIS), Chief Security Intelligence Officers (CSIOs), and Principal Security Intelligence Officers (PSIOs), previously posted to these positions, have been redeployed to their respective commands.

Ajayi has also made a series of strategic appointments, placing well-trained officers in charge of state commands and other critical formations. The reforms have reportedly lifted the spirits of many SSS personnel, with officers showing greater enthusiasm and professionalism in their duties.

“Officers who were previously disengaged are now reporting to work punctually, and the level of intelligence gathering has improved significantly,” an insider revealed.