Ahmed Abubakar, Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), resigned citing "personal issues." However, sources indicate he was pressured to leave due to intelligence failures during recent protests. Concerns about the NIA's oversight have intensified, underscoring the need for effective intelligence amid Nigeria's security challenges.
In a surprising turn of events, Ahmed Abubakar, the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), announced his resignation citing "personal issues." However, sources suggest his departure was not entirely voluntary. Following a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Abubakar was reportedly asked to step down due to "severe intelligence lapses" that occurred during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, where signs of discontent and calls for military intervention raised concerns.
Despite his claims of resigning for family reasons, insiders indicate that Abubakar's performance over the past six years may have fallen short in light of recent security challenges. Sources noted that the protests were unusually well-coordinated, even featuring Russian flags in some areas, raising questions about the NIA's oversight.
Abubakar had intended to travel the night he was asked to resign and was advised to leave immediately. Although he expressed gratitude to the president for accepting his resignation, it remains unclear if he anticipated this decision. Efforts to reach him for further comments were unsuccessful, with his mobile operator restricting calls to his number.
Credit: Leadership
