UPDATED: Why I resigned as head of Nigeria’s intelligence agency – Ahmed Abubakar

The Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, has explained why he resigned from the position he has occupied for over six years.

Abubakar tendered his resignation letter to President Bola Tinubu on Saturday in Abuja.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as the NIA DG on January 11, 2018.

The former president extended the NIA chief’s tenure on December 31, 2021.

In a chat with State House correspondents after a meeting with President Tinubu, the NIA boss said he resigned from the position for family reasons.

He also thanked the president for allowing him to serve for 15 months in his government.

The NIA chief was accompanied to the meeting by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

Abubakar said: “There are quite several reasons one will do that. Some personal family issues, but nothing very serious, actually, and the friendship will continue.

“I discussed with Mr. President, he understood very well, and I promised to remain steadfast with issues and the security situations of the country.

“After the briefing, I tendered my resignation and Mr. President graciously approved and accepted the resignation.

“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.”

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