By Habeeb Ibrahim
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new Directors-General for the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), according to a statement released on August 26th, 2024, by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed has been named the new Director-General of the NIA, succeeding the outgoing chief. Ambassador Mohammed brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished career in the foreign service, which began in 1995 when he joined the NIA.
His career has seen him serve in various countries, including North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan, and Libya, where he was the head of Nigeria’s mission. A graduate of Bayero University, Kano, in 1990, Ambassador Mohammed’s extensive international experience is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the NIA’s operations.
In a similar development, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi has been appointed the new Director-General of the DSS.
Mr. Ajayi, who rose through the ranks to become an Assistant Director-General, has served in key positions across the country, including as State Director in Bauchi, Enugu, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Kogi. His vast experience within the DSS is anticipated to aid in the agency’s ongoing efforts to tackle the nation’s security challenges.
The appointments come in the wake of the resignation of the previous NIA and DSS chiefs. In his statement, Chief Ajuri Ngelale conveyed President Tinubu’s confidence in the new appointees’ abilities to steer their respective agencies towards greater efficiency and collaboration.
The President charged them to bring their extensive experience to bear in addressing the security issues facing the country, particularly through enhanced cooperation with sister agencies and alignment with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The President also extended his gratitude to the outgoing Directors-General for their dedication and service to the nation, wishing them success in their future endeavors.
