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

Linus Aleke in Abuja

At the 8th Silent Heroes Awards held in Abuja, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Director‑General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, were honoured for their exceptional leadership in the fight against insecurity.

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

Other recipients at the ceremony included Commissioner of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retired), who was celebrated for his distinguished service in various fields.

Speakers at the event urged Nigerians to support security agencies through patriotism, reliable intelligence, and stronger community collaboration, emphasizing that collective action is essential to counter terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.

Chief Sunday Odita, founder of the initiative and publisher of The Razor News, explained that the awards were created to honour individuals who make significant contributions to national development without seeking public acclaim.

He noted that many security personnel have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation and deserve ongoing appreciation, adding that recognising their service would inspire current officers and reassure them that their sacrifices are valued.

Reflecting on the initiative’s vision, 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 praised the organisers 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 (NSCDC), 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, stressing that security is everyone’s responsibility through credible information sharing, cooperation, and mutual trust.

Onoja called on security personnel to perform their duties professionally while respecting citizens’ rights.