BREAKING: Buhari Appoints Kano Man, Bichi DG DSS

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Yusuf Magaji Bichi as the new Director General of the Department of State Security (DSS).

Bichi replaces Lawal Daura, who was fired last month.

In a statement by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Bichi’s appointment is with effect from the Friday, 14th September.

The statement reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved with effect from the 14th of September, the appointment of Yusuf Magaji Bichi (fwc), as new Director-General of the Department of State Service (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 Organization (NSO), the precursor of the present DSS.

“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 DSS 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.

“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,” Shehu added.

Emerging reports have indicated that Daura, is still in custody 27 days after he was arrested by the police on the orders of the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.

Osinbajo, who served as acting president while President Muhmmmadu Buhari was recently on a 10 working days vacation in London, had ordered Daura’s immediate sack and arrest after the DSS DG unleashed his men on some lawmakers of the National Assembly on August 7.

On the alleged orders of Daura, some hood-wearing operatives of the DSS had invaded the National Assembly and prevented entry of its members into the premises. The incident led to the DG’s sack.

Premium Times is however reporting that since his first arrest last month, Mr Daura was released but got re-arrested after 24 hours and has been in detention ever since.