Afakriya Gadzama

Mr A.Gadzama mni ofr addressing at event.

Afakriya Gadzama mni OFR (November 22, 1953 - ) is a Nigerian security officer who was appointed Director General of the State Security Service (SSS) in August 2007 by President Umaru Yar'Adua.^[1]

Early life and education

Afakirya Aduwa Gadzama was born on 22 November 1953 at Lassa Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. He attended the prestigious Barewa College Zaria from (1968–1972), then School of Basic studies Zaria Kaduna. He later proceeded to the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, where he obtained a BA (Hons) Political Science (1977). In 2001, Gadzama attended the Senior Executive Course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Jos.^[2]

Career

Gadzama started his career in 1978 with the Ministry of Finance in Borno State and transferred to the National Security Organization as a Principal Officer in 1984. He rose through the ranks of the NSO and the subsequent State Security Service which was carved out of the NSO when it was dissolved.^[2] His postings at the State Security Service include:

• Director of Security, Plateau State (1989–1991)
• Director of Security, Federal Capital Territory (1991–1993)
• Director of Security, Kaduna (1993–1997)
• Director of Operations, SSS National Headquarters (1997–1998)
• Director of Programmes, SSS National Headquarters 1999
• Director of Intelligence (2001–2002)
• Director of Operations (2002–2003)
• Director of Administration and Logistics, National Headquarters (2004–2005)
• Director of Corporate Services, National Headquarters (2006–2007).
• Director General, SSS (2007-2010)

Gadzama was instrumental in President Umaru Yar Adua's Niger Delta Amnesty Program. Ita Ekpeyong replaced Gadzama as DG SSS on September 7, 2010, after President Goodluck Jonathan's mass dismissal of security chiefs.^[3]

References