In a keynote paper delivered to the PSIMC, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Leye Oyebade (rtd) mni emphasizes adaptability, collaboration, and innovation as key to national security intelligence success.
Dipo Kehinde/
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) ‘Leye Oyebade (rtd), mni has delivered a compelling keynote paper on the critical role of leadership in intelligence operations, addressing participants of the Policy Strategy and Intelligence Management Course (PSIMC).
The retired DIG, drawing from his extensive experience in law enforcement, highlighted the pivotal influence of leadership styles on decision-making, operational success, and risk management within intelligence operations.
In his paper titled “Leadership Styles for Intelligence Operations,” Oyebade underscored the growing complexity of intelligence work, particularly in an era of rapidly evolving cyber threats, disinformation, and global conflicts. He emphasized that leaders in intelligence must not only be authoritative and decisive in high-stakes situations but also transformational in fostering innovation and resilience within their teams.
“Intelligence operations are the backbone of national security, and success is largely dependent on the quality of leadership guiding these missions,” Oyebade said. He outlined several leadership styles crucial for intelligence work, including authoritative, transformational, transactional, and adaptive leadership, noting that each style has its own strengths and must be applied based on the situational demands.
He stressed the importance of adaptive leadership, especially in confronting new and unconventional threats.
“Adaptive leaders promote a culture of resilience and creativity, empowering their teams to think outside the box and respond effectively to rapidly changing situations,” Oyebade said, citing the need for agility in responding to cyber warfare and the complexities of modern intelligence challenges.
Oyebade also emphasized collaborative leadership, noting that intelligence operations often require partnerships across agencies and international borders.
“Building trust and effective communication across different intelligence bodies is critical to achieving broader national security goals,” he said, highlighting the need for seamless inter-agency cooperation in intelligence work.
In his analysis, Oyebade also touched on the ethical dimension of intelligence leadership. He advocated for ethical leadership in operations involving human intelligence (HUMINT) and cyber intelligence, calling for transparency and accountability in decision-making processes to maintain public trust and safeguard civil liberties.
Drawing on historical examples such as World War II’s Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and the Cold War’s Cuban Missile Crisis, Oyebade demonstrated how various leadership styles played significant roles in successful intelligence operations. He concluded by urging contemporary intelligence leaders to adopt flexible and innovative approaches to stay ahead of adversaries in a rapidly shifting global landscape.
Oyebade’s address resonated strongly with PSIMC participants, many of whom are senior policymakers and security operatives. His call for a multi-dimensional approach to leadership in intelligence—blending decisive action with ethical considerations, collaboration, and innovation—provides a robust framework for future leaders tasked with protecting national interests in an increasingly complex and dangerous world.
DIG Oyebade (rtd), mni, is a distinguished retired Deputy Inspector General of Police whose career in the Nigeria Police Force reflects decades of leadership, reform, and innovation.
Educated in Sociology with specializations in Criminology from the University of Lagos, Oyebade’s academic foundation fueled his passion for law enforcement reforms and his emphasis on evidence-based strategies. Throughout his career, he held significant leadership roles, including serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID in Lagos, Commandant Police College, Kaduna, Commissioner of Police in Maritime, Oyo and Abia Commands, and AIG Zone 11 Osogbo, overseeing Oyo, Osun, and Ondo State Commands. As deputy commissioner of police in Lagos, his forward-thinking approach led to the establishment of Nigeria’s first ICT e-Training Centre to tackle cybercrime.
Known for his meticulous planning, Oyebade’s leadership during the 2020 Edo and Ondo State governorship elections earned national and international recognition for their peacefulness and credibility. His tenure as the DIG in charge of Research and Planning at the Force Headquarters also saw him championing police reform, contributing notably to the establishment of the Police Chaplaincy and influencing the review of government policies on law enforcement reforms.
A recipient of multiple awards, including the Nigerian Bar Association Award of Excellence, Oyebade is recognized both locally and internationally for his outstanding contributions to security and leadership. He continues to impact national policy as a member of the Directing Staff at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). Currently, he heads Rontol Ventures Limited, applying his leadership in sectors such as agriculture and security services. Oyebade’s commitment to public service, integrity, and professional excellence makes him a role model in Nigerian law enforcement and beyond.
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