A prominent socio-political group in Northern Nigeria, Northern Alternative Forum (NAF), has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of new Directors-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed was named the new Director-General of the NIA, while Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi was appointed as the new Director-General of the DSS.
The appointments were announced on Monday by President Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.
In a statement signed by its national chairman, Mallam Gidado Ibrahim, the group, popularly referred to in the North-East and North West as Nothern Mafias, commended the President for his “capacity to search far and wide in recruiting capable hands to man these sensitive institutions of government.”
Ibrahim, a double prince from the North East, stated: “These appointments are the best picks by the President. With these appointments coming simultaneously, a new life will be breathed into our nation’s intelligence community and the fight against insecurity, especially terrorism. The secret police has indeed entered a new era.
“With these men in the saddle, the Intelligence gathering capacity of our secret police will be enhanced. We have no doubt that they will bring their wealth of experience to bear in tackling the security challenges facing our nation.”
Ibrahim who is also a renowned columnist noted that the Northern Alternative Forum’s endorsement of the appointments suggests that President Tinubu’s choices have been well-received by key stakeholders in the country’s security apparatus.
According to him, the group’s praise for the President’s ability to recruit capable hands to man sensitive institutions of governance is in solidarity to his administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity in Nigeria.
He stated: “The appointments come at a critical time in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and insecurity, and the new Directors-General are expected to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to the table. President Tinubu’s administration is poised to make significant strides in addressing the country’s security challenges.
“The decision by the president to bring the intelligence chiefs from inside is a strategic move to ascertain their loyalty, which is definitely assured. I can attest to the professional expertise of the new NIA boss, Mohammed, having known him at the Presidential Intelligence Unit and his engagements in other foreign countries.
“For the new DG DSS, Ajayi, when he was in Bauchi he made sure Boko Haram insurgency in the state and the North East was contained. He is regarded as an excellent black spy master, and we are grateful to President Tinubu for his choice and wisdom to pick them.
“Now that they are in the saddle, economic saboteurs who are sponsoring terrorism, banditry, and all types of political violence will soon be exposed and brought to face the full weight of the law.”