Contrary to the claim by National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director-General Ahmed Abubakar that he resigned for personal reasons, there are indications suggesting he may have been compelled to step down.
In an unusual display of personal conviction, Abubakar stated on Saturday night that his resignation was due to “some personal issues, but nothing serious.”
However, security sources revealed that following a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Abubakar was asked to resign due to “serious intelligence lapses” during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests across the country.
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“It was not just about the hunger protests,” one source said, “it was also about how the protests evolved and escalated, with Russian flags flying in some states and protesters openly calling for military take-over. The thing looked so well-coordinated it is difficult to understand how the Intel agency missed it.”
Another source suggested that although Abubakar had performed his duties diligently over the past six years, he might have fallen out of favor with the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, whose office oversees the agency.
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“In light of the serious security challenges that the country faces, inter-agency cooperation is key, and Ribadu needs to have a firm grip,” the source said. “Abubakar was asked to resign on Saturday night. The story about family issues was an afterthought.”
The source also noted that Abubakar had planned to travel on Saturday night and went to inform President Tinubu, who advised him to resign immediately.
As of press time, it was unclear whether Abubakar or Babagana Kingibe, the influential former Secretary to the Government of the Federation who played a key role in his 2018 appointment, anticipated the resignation.
Abubakar, whose term as NIA DG was extended by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021, stated at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Saturday night that his resignation was due to family pressure.
“I tendered my resignation, and Mr. President graciously approved and accepted it,” Abubakar said.
