DSS: Bichi recalibrating secret policing, intelligence gathering in Nigeria

Since his appointment in 2018 as the Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), popularly known as the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi, intelligence gathering and covert operation of the agency have been diversified. He has prioritized intelligence gathering for effective governance, especially in actualising the fundamental objectives and principles of government.

Bichi’s patriotic zeal and commitment to Nigeria’s unity is aptly captured in one of his numerous nationalistic speeches in which he said; “Since my return to the organisation, I have recommitted myself to selfless service, both to it and the country. For me, an opportunity like this is one that calls for greater responsibility and dedication.”

Under his current leadership, the nation’s secret police, against all odds, has received rave reviews, even from ardent critics, for their many successful operations and exploits that are focused on its statutory duty of detecting and preventing crimes as well as evolving counter-measures against threats to Nigeria’s internal security and indivisibility.

Not mincing words in his declaration that “My vision is to create a friendly work environment, enhance staff capacity through training and welfare, as well as ensure that the DSS remains a democratically-complaint intelligence agency in Nigeria,” the Director General believes sustained innovations are required by the Service to continually realise its statutory mandate of ensuring the country’s internal security.

Under his watch, the agency has not shied away from its statutory responsibilities of implementing strategies with huge success in not only tackling insecurity but also saving the nation from avoidable disintegration.

The agency on Monday, September 4, uncovered plans by some elements in parts of the country to stage violent protests in order to discredit the Federal Government and security agencies over sundry socio-economic matters.

It said, “The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby informs the public that it has uncovered plans by some elements in parts of the country to stage violent protests in order to discredit the Federal Government and security agencies over sundry socio-economic matters.

“Intelligence reports have indicated that the plotters include certain politicians who are desperately mobilising unsuspecting student leaders, ethnic-based associations, youth, and disgruntled groups for the planned action.

“Meanwhile, the Service has identified the ring leaders of the plot as well as sustained monitoring around them in order to deter them from plunging the country into anarchy. Also, parents and guardians are enjoined to admonish their children and wards respectively to shun the lure of participating in inimical behaviours or conduct against law and order.”

Similarly, sustained intelligence and robust enforcement/joint operations with sister agencies have brought about recognisable accomplishments in the battle against internet and advance fee frauds, kidnapping, banditry, arms trafficking, militancy, economic crimes, and others too numerous to mention. It is therefore not surprising to watchers of events that the impressive performance by the SSS, under his watch, has earned him respect among Nigerians and the international community.

Bichi whose career in the security division of the Cabinet Office in Kano, from where he joined the defunct Nigerian Security Organization (NSO), the precursor of the present DSS, attended Danbatta Secondary School, Kano State College of Advanced Studies and the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he graduated with a degree in Political Science.

Bichi has undergone training in intelligence processing analysis, agent handling recruitment and intelligence processing in the UK, as well as strategic training at the National Defence College. In the course of his career, Bichi has worked as the State Director of Security in Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto and Abia states.

He was at various times the Director of National Assembly Liaison, (National War College), Director at National Headquarters in the Directorate of Security Enforcement, Directorate of Operations, Directorate of Intelligence, Directorate of Inspection and Directorate of Administration and Finance. He also served as a Director at the State Service Academy.

President Bola Tinubu has also been commended for retaining Bichi despite pressure from highly placed individuals for his sack. However, the President showed faith in Bichi and his professionalism to continue the good work he was doing with the secret police. His retention was not unexpected given the role he played in the weeks leading to the 2023 presidential election.

Recall that a few weeks before the presidential election, when the now suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, turned the naira redesign into a political attack on Tinubu, the only government agency that tried to stop Emefiele was the DSS.

Apart from Emefiele, the DSS has also arrested the immediate past chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, over the role he played in the naira redesign swap. The secret police is expected to go after other politically exposed individuals who have been accused of embezzling government resources.

That the President resisted mounting pressure to replace him when he changed the service chiefs is a pointer to Tinubu’s confidence in Bichi’s abilities and capabilities which are clearly manifested in his reinvention of the SSS for effective service delivery on all fronts since his appointment.

Bichi has introduced novelty into security intelligence gathering and he made the service more public-friendly by appointing a core professional to manage its public relations department. This singular decision has repositioned and re-engineered the service to have a face that provides declassified information and makes itself more accessible to the media and members of the public.

He brought about an improved welfare scheme for staff through provisions of quality housing accommodation, prompt payment of allowances, and duty tours among other entitlements.

Despite criticisms and sponsored media reports against Bichi and the DSS, the service has continued to reassure Nigerians and the government of its unalloyed commitment to public safety and national security.

Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi is the Convener of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups Against Terrorism in Nigeria.