President Muhammadu Buhari has named a new head for the State Security Service (SSS).

The new director-general is Yusuf Magaji Bichi, Mr Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, said in a statement.

The new head replaces Matthew Seiyeifa, who has been operating in acting capacity since Lawal Daura was dismissed.

Read Mr Shehu’s full statement below.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved with effect from the 14th of September, the appointment of Yusuf Magaji Bichi, as new Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS, popularly called DSS).

The appointee is a core Secret Service operative.

He attended Danbatta Secondary School, the Kano State College of Advanced Studies and the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he graduated with a degree in Political Science.

The new Director-General began his career in the security division of the Cabinet Office in Kano, from where he joined the defunct Nigerian Security Organisation (NSO), the precursor of the present SSS.

Mr. Bichi has undergone training in intelligence processing analysis, agent handling recruitment and intelligence processing in the UK, as well as strategic training at the National Defence College.

The new SSS boss comes to the job with skills in intelligence gathering, research analysis, conflict management, general investigation, risk and vulnerability operations, counter intelligence and protective operation and human resources management.

In the course of his career, Mr. Bichi has worked as the State Director of Security in Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto and Abia States.

New SSS DG Yusuf Bichi

He was at various times the Director, National Assembly Liaison, (National War College), Director at National Headquarters in the Directorate of Security Enforcement, Directorate of Operations, Directorate of Intelligence, Directorate of Inspection and Directorate of Administration and Finance.

He also served as Director at State Service Academy.

Mr Bichi is married and with children.