Why I resigned as DG NIA – Ahmed Rufai opens up

The Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, has stepped down from his position. Abubakar submitted his resignation to President Bola Tinubu on Saturday, although no specific reasons were disclosed for his decision.

Appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, Abubakar was reappointed to his role in December 2021.

In a brief discussion following his resignation, Abubakar mentioned that his visit to the presidency was initially to update President Tinubu on the country’s security situation. However, during the meeting, he also submitted his resignation.

“It’s a routine matter; I regularly brief Mr. President on the security situation in the country, and today was no different. After today’s briefing, I tendered my resignation, which Mr. President graciously accepted,” Abubakar explained.

He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Nigeria under the leadership of two Presidents, acknowledging the rarity of such an extended tenure.

“I thanked him for allowing me to serve Nigeria under his transformational leadership for an extended period of 15 months, which is quite rare. It was an honor to serve two Presidents consecutively,” he stated.

When asked about the reasons behind his resignation, Abubakar cited personal and family matters but emphasized that there was nothing of major concern.

“There are several reasons one might choose to step down, including personal family issues, but nothing serious. My friendship with Mr. President will continue, and he understood my decision well,” he added.