The Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Abubakar, officially resigned from his position on Saturday, citing personal and family reasons as the driving factors behind his decision. The resignation was tendered during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
In a brief statement to journalists following his meeting with the President, Abubakar clarified that his decision to step down was not due to any major issues but rather a need to focus on personal and family matters. He emphasized that his relationship with the President and his commitment to Nigeria’s security would continue unabated.
“There are quite a number of reasons one will do that. Some personal family issues, but nothing very serious, actually, and the friendship will continue,” Abubakar stated. He expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve under his leadership, noting the significance of his 15-month tenure under the new administration.
Abubakar, who had served as the NIA’s Director-General since 2018, was first appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari. His tenure was extended in December 2021, allowing him to continue his work in the agency during a critical period for Nigeria’s security landscape.
Reflecting on his service, Abubakar expressed appreciation for the support he received and the opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s security efforts. “I thanked him for giving me the opportunity to serve Nigeria under his transformational leadership for an extended period of 15 months, which is very rare,” he said.
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Abubakar, a seasoned diplomat and retired foreign service officer from Katsina State, joined the Nigerian Foreign Service in 1993. His career includes roles such as senior special assistant to the president on international relations and foreign affairs. A graduate of Bayero University in Kano, Abubakar holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in French and is fluent in English and Arabic.
As the NIA transitions under new leadership, Abubakar’s departure marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s intelligence community. His resignation has left many reflecting on his contributions and the challenges that lie ahead for his successor.
