PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu Monday approved the appointment of Adeola Ajayi as the new Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), succeeding Yusuf Bichi, who reportedly resigned from the position.
The announcement was made in a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson.
Ajayi, who has been serving as the Assistant Director-General of the DSS, will now lead the agency. His appointment comes as part of a broader reshuffle in Nigeria’s intelligence and security agencies, following the resignation of Bichi and Ahmed Abubakar, the former DG of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
In his new role, Ajayi, who has had a distinguished career within the DSS, is expected to bring his extensive experience to enhance the agency’s performance. He has previously served as State Director in Bauchi, Enugu, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Kogi states.
President Tinubu also announced the appointment of Ambassador Mohammed as the new head of the NIA. Mohammed, a 1990 graduate of Bayero University, Kano, has had an illustrious career in the foreign service since joining the NIA in 1995. He has served in various capacities, including as Director and head of the Nigerian mission to Libya. His previous roles include postings in North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan, and at the State House, Abuja.
The President urged both Ajayi and Mohammed to work diligently to reposition their respective agencies for improved effectiveness. He emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration with sister agencies and alignment with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to address the country’s security challenges more effectively.
Five key things to know about the new DSS boss:
- Experienced Intelligence Officer
Ajayi brings over three decades of experience in intelligence gathering and security management to his new role.
His tenure in the DSS has seen him rise through the ranks due to his dedication and sharp insight in handling national security matters.
Ajayi’s background is extensive, having joined the DSS in 1990 as a cadet officer.
- Proven Leadership
Before his appointment, Ajayi held several key positions within the DSS, including the Director of Operations.
His leadership has been marked by strategic reforms and efforts to enhance the agency’s effectiveness in addressing contemporary security challenges.
He has since climbed the ranks, serving as a state director in Enugu, Rivers, Bauchi, Kogi, and Bayelsa states.
- Foreign Experience in Intelligence
Known for his diligence and analytical approach, Ajayi has received various training in Nigeria and abroad, equipping him with the skills needed for his new role.
DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya even described Ajayi as diligent, resilient, sophisticated, proactive, and analytic.
Afunanya said, “He (Ajayi) comes to his new position with experience, capacity, and immense goodwill.”
- Focus on Collaboration
Ajayi has been instrumental in fostering better cooperation between the DSS and other security agencies, as proven by his stint in other states he has served.
He believes inter-agency collaboration is crucial for addressing Nigeria’s complex security landscape.
- Task for DSS
Ajayi has been committed to strengthening the DSS’s capacity to preempt and counter threats.
He has been saddled with visionary tasks, including embracing technology—and intelligence-driven strategies to ensure national security and stability.
Eighteen-Eleven Media