DSS Launches Educational and Religious Initiatives to Counter Terrorism in Nigeria

In a strategic move to combat terrorism and promote social cohesion, the Department of State Services (DSS) has initiated the construction of educational and religious centers across Nigeria. These efforts aim to address the root causes of radicalization by providing support to vulnerable communities.

A notable project includes the establishment of the Darul-Ilm Centre for Islamic Studies in the Danbushiya community of Kaduna State. This modern Islamic school, dedicated to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is designed to serve orphans and underprivileged individuals, offering them access to quality education and religious instruction. The initiative was spearheaded by DSS Director General Oluwatosin Ajayi, who emphasized that the project was funded through personal means and support from associates, without utilizing operational funds.

The DSS’s approach aligns with a broader strategy to foster goodwill and strengthen community resilience against insurgency and terrorism. By investing in social infrastructure such as schools and places of worship, the agency aims to create environments that deter extremist ideologies and promote unity among diverse populations.

Community leaders and stakeholders have lauded these initiatives, recognizing the role of education and religious tolerance in mitigating conflict and fostering national development. The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, commended the efforts, highlighting the importance of de-emphasizing religious and ethnic differences to achieve economic progress and national unity.

These developments underscore the DSS’s commitment to a multifaceted approach in addressing security challenges, focusing not only on intelligence and enforcement but also on proactive community engagement and development.