President Bola Tinubu has appointed former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Abuja, for an initial four-year term.

The appointment, which takes effect from October 22, 2026, followed the recommendation of the incumbent DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.

Lilian Omo-Odigwe, Director of Coordination and Liaison at NISS, announced the appointment in a statement on Thursday, saying it was made in accordance with Section 4 of the National Institute for Security Studies (Establishment) Act, 2019.

Bichi succeeds A.A. Gadzama, OFR, mni, as chairman of the institute’s Governing Board.

The former intelligence chief handed over leadership of the DSS to Ajayi in August 2024, following his tenure at the helm of the agency.

Bichi began his career in the Security Division of the Kano State Cabinet Office before his transfer of service in 1984.

According to the statement, his appointment brings extensive experience in intelligence, security administration, operational leadership and institutional training to the governance of the institute.

The NISS, located at Lower Usuma Dam, Abuja, plays a role in security education and professional development, bringing together personnel and stakeholders to strengthen knowledge and capacity in security management.

Bichi’s appointment marks his return to a national security leadership role after leaving the DSS in 2024.