ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has initiated a significant reshuffle within Nigeria’s intelligence sector by appointing new leaders for the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS). This was announced on Monday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President.
Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed steps in as the new Director-General of the NIA, bringing extensive experience from international diplomacy and intelligence. Concurrently, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi has been appointed to lead the DSS, marking a new era for the country’s domestic intelligence operations.
These appointments follow the unexpected resignations of the former heads of these crucial agencies. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, the outgoing NIA Director-General, formally resigned last Saturday, citing personal and family commitments as his reasons for stepping down. He tendered his resignation during a private meeting with President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, underscoring a respectful transition within one of the nation’s most sensitive sectors.
Ambassador Mohammed, a seasoned diplomat and intelligence officer, first joined the NIA in 1995. His extensive experience includes a significant tenure as the head of the Nigerian mission to Libya. A graduate of Bayero University in Kano (class of 1990), Mohammed’s career has spanned assignments in North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan, and the Nigerian State House, equipping him with a diverse and robust portfolio suitable for his new role.
Meanwhile, Mr. Adeola Ajayi has ascended from his previous position as Assistant Director-General of the DSS. His background includes various directorial roles across multiple Nigerian states, such as Bauchi, Enugu, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Kogi, reflecting a comprehensive grasp of the nation’s security landscape.
President Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the outgoing directors-general for their dedication and service to the nation. As Nigeria navigates complex global and domestic challenges, the leadership of its intelligence services remains crucial. The new appointments are expected to bring renewed vigor and strategic foresight to the NIA and DSS, aligning with Nigeria’s broader national security goals.
