On Saturday, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), submitted his resignation letter to President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. This move follows a meeting between Abubakar and President Tinubu.
Abubakar, who was first appointed to the NIA’s top position in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, had his tenure extended in December 2021. In his resignation statement, Abubakar cited a combination of personal and family reasons for his decision, though he emphasized that these reasons were not severe. He assured that his commitment to national security issues would remain steadfast despite his departure.
“I discussed my resignation with Mr. President, and he understood my reasons very well,” Abubakar told journalists. “I promised to stay engaged with national security matters and continue supporting the country.”
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Abubakar explained that his resignation followed a routine briefing on security issues, which he described as a standard procedure. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under President Tinubu’s leadership and acknowledged the rare chance to serve under two different Presidents.
“Today’s meeting was part of the regular security briefings,” Abubakar said. “After the briefing, I submitted my resignation, which Mr. President graciously accepted. I am thankful for the extended period of service—15 months—under President Tinubu and the chance to work with two Presidents in one tenure.”
Regarding the President’s reaction to his resignation, Abubakar refrained from providing specifics, suggesting that such details might be more appropriately disclosed by the President himself or the National Security Adviser, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, who accompanied Abubakar to the State House.
“I prefer not to comment on the President’s reaction,” Abubakar noted. “It would be more fitting for the NSA or the President to provide that information.”
Abubakar also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to mentor younger officers during his tenure. “I am grateful for the chance to guide and develop younger officers over the past seven years,” he said. “We now have a strong team of capable officers ready to excel in this role.”
