President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed as the new Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Adeola Ajayi as the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS). The appointments, announced on Monday, follow the resignation of the previous heads of both agencies.
Ambassador Mohammed, a seasoned diplomat with over 20 years of experience, has served in critical roles across North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan, and Libya. He takes over from Ahmed Abubakar, who resigned as NIA Director-General on Saturday, citing personal and family reasons. Abubakar was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018 and had his tenure extended in 2021.
Adeola Ajayi, the new DSS chief, has a robust career in intelligence, having served as State Director in Bauchi, Enugu, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Kogi States. He replaces Yusuf Bichi, who, like Abubakar, was appointed by Buhari in 2018.
In a statement released by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, President Tinubu charged the newly appointed heads to collaborate closely, tackle security challenges, and enhance synergy with sister agencies and the Office of the National Security Adviser. The President also expressed gratitude to the outgoing Directors-General for their dedicated service to the nation and wished them success in their future endeavors.
