Tinubu Appoints Ex-DSS Chief as NISS Board Chairman

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has appointed former Department of State Services (DSS) Director-General Yusuf Bichi as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS).

The institute’s Director of Coordination and Liaison, Lilian Omo-Odigwe, announced the appointment on Thursday in a statement. The DSS also shared the statement on its official X handle.

According to the statement, Tinubu approved the appointment following a recommendation by the current DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.

Read More : Adamawa Court Sentences Three Kidnappers to Death

“The Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the appointment of Y. M. Bichi, CFR, FWC, the immediate past Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Lower Usuma Dam, Abuja,” the statement read.

Tinubu Signs Bill Extending 2025 Budget to December (NewsCentral TV) — Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Credit: Vanguard News.

Bichi’s appointment took effect on Thursday, for an initial four-year term. It aligns with Section 4 of the National Institute for Security Studies (Establishment) Act, 2019. He will succeed A.A. Gadzama, OFR, mni, as chairman of the governing board.

Bichi handed over leadership of the DSS to Ajayi in August 2024 after serving as the agency’s Director-General. He began his career in the Security Division of the Kano State Cabinet Office before transferring in 1984.

The institute said Bichi’s appointment brings extensive experience in intelligence, security administration, operational leadership and institutional training to the NISS governing board.

In his new role, he will provide leadership and oversight for the institute, which focuses on security studies and professional training.

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS YUSUF BICHI CHAIRMAN GOVERNING BOARD OF NISS

The Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR has approved the appointment of Y. M. Bichi, CFR, fwc, the immediate past Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Lower Usuma Dam, Abuja.

Bichi’s appointment was approved by President Tinubu based on the recommendation of the current DG-DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.
His appointment, is for an initial four year term, effective 22nd October, 2026 in accordance with Section 4 of the National Institute for Security Studies (Establishment) Act, 2019.

Bichi, who will succeed A.A. Gadzama, OFR, mni, on the Governing Board, handed over leadership of the DSS to the incumbent Director-General in August 2024.

The former DG began his career in the Security Division of the Kano State Cabinet Office before his transfer of service in 1984.

Bichi’s appointment to Chair the NISS Board brings an extensive experience in intelligence, security administration, operational leadership and institutional training to the governance of the National Institute.
Read More : Rivers Police Probe Kula Boat Tragedy

Lilian Omo-Odigwe
Director Cordination and Liaison
NISS

22 October, 2026.

— Department of State Services (DSS) (@OfficialDSSNG) October 22, 2026

Author

Deborah Akwa

Deborah Akwa is a content writer with over four years of experience creating brand stories, editorial content, and audience-focused articles on topics like health, lifestyle, and entertainment.

When she isn't writing, she is behind the scenes managing editorial operations and helping the content team work better.

She loves using words to connect brands with their audiences. Outside of work, she enjoys watching movies and engaging in thought-provoking conversations.