DSS Personnel Celebrate Departure of Former DG Yusuf Bichi
Members of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) were recently filmed celebrating the departure of their former Director-General, Yusuf Bichi. The footage, which has circulated widely on social media, shows DSS staff members cheering and dancing following the announcement of Bichi’s resignation.
On Monday, President Bola Tinubu appointed new heads for the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the DSS. According to a statement from the presidency’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed has been appointed as the new Director-General of the NIA, while Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi will lead the DSS.
Ambassador Mohammed, who has a distinguished career in the foreign service and has been with the NIA since 1995, has served in various capacities, including as the head of Nigeria’s mission to Libya.
The video of the DSS personnel’s celebration is linked to a broader sentiment of discontent within the agency. Many staff members reportedly felt marginalized under Bichi’s leadership, leading to the public display of jubilation.
Reactions from the public have varied. A user named Thεό Abu commented on the celebrations, stating, “DSS personnel celebrating the removal of DSS DG, Bichi. The new DG must work to improve the agency for Nigeria’s benefit.”
Another user, A. Ayofe, remarked on the surprising nature of the video, “When a friend sent me this footage of the DSS personnel celebrating Bichi’s departure, I was skeptical until I saw it myself.”
Human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore also weighed in, expressing hope that other controversial figures, such as the current Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, would face similar scrutiny. Sowore wrote, “The DSS officials are celebrating the removal of Bichi, but wait until the current IG is removed; you will see even greater celebrations.”
The celebration highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s security agencies and reflects broader concerns about leadership and governance in the country.
