CDS, DG DSS and Others Honored for Outstanding Leadership in Combating Insecurity in Nigeria

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Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Director‑General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, were among the Nigerians honored for their outstanding leadership and commitment to combating insecurity at the 8th Silent Heroes Awards held in Abuja.

The awards celebrated their strategic contributions to national security and their efforts to promote peace, stability, and the safety of citizens.

The ceremony also recognized other recipients who have distinguished themselves in various fields, including Honourable Commissioner of the Police Service Commission, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd).

Speakers, who were security experts, urged Nigerians to complement the efforts of security agencies through patriotism, credible intelligence, and stronger community collaboration, stressing that collective action remains essential to addressing terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.

Chief Sunday Odita, founder of the initiative and publisher of The Razor News, said the awards were established to recognize individuals making significant contributions to national development without seeking public acclaim.

He noted that many security personnel have paid the supreme sacrifice in defense of the nation and deserve sustained appreciation, adding that recognizing their service would inspire serving officers and reassure them that their sacrifices are valued.

Reflecting on the vision behind the initiative, Odita said: “The journey of the Silent Heroes began, as all great ideas do, with a thought. Our country bears peculiar complexities, which inevitably arise from its status as Africa’s most populous nation with one of the world’s most diverse ethnic compositions.

Yet there has always remained space for another category of excellence—those who contribute just as profoundly, yet without the accompanying applause.”

Chris Isiguzo, President of the Congress of African Journalists and recipient of the Silent Heroes Leadership Award, described the honour as recognition of years of dedicated service to journalism.

He commended the organizers for their objective assessment of recipients and urged leaders to remain accountable and committed to the welfare of citizens.

“Wherever you are, people are watching you. Conduct yourself in ways that inspire confidence and strengthen democracy through service to the people,” he said.

John Onoja, Commander of the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, also spoke, describing the initiative as timely and saying it would promote patriotism, integrity, and self‑less service.

He urged Nigerians to place national interest above personal considerations, emphasizing that security is everyone’s responsibility through credible information sharing, cooperation, and mutual trust. He also called on security personnel to carry out their duties professionally while respecting citizens’ rights.