Within The Department of State Security (DSS), Attanda Lawal has been appointed as the new Chief Security Officer for President Bola Tinubu, following the departure of Adegboyega Fasasi. This transition comes shortly after the President’s return from a two-week vacation.
Sources close to the DSS clarified that Fasasi’s removal was not due to any misconduct but rather part of a routine process as he embarks on a senior management course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Jos, Plateau State. The decision was reportedly approved by Tosin Ajayi, the Director General of the DSS.
Concerns regarding Fasasi’s leadership style, described by some as “high handed,” have been dismissed by insiders. They assert that navigating the complexities of the role often requires making difficult decisions, and such claims about stepping on toes are unfounded. Importantly, Fasasi remains within the DSS, reflecting his continued value to the organization.
As Lawal steps into his new role, he brings experience as a deputy director within the DSS. This leadership transition underscores the ongoing evolution within Nigeria’s security apparatus, aiming to enhance effectiveness and strategic oversight.