Yusuf Magaji Bichi

Yusuf Magaji Bichi (born 23 February 1956) is a Nigerian security personnel who served as the director-general of the State Security Service from 2018 to 2024.

Background and education Bichi was born on 23 February 1956 in Hagagawa Qtrs of Bichi Local Government, Kano State. Bichi attended Kano State College of Advanced Studies (1975–1977) and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1977–1980), where he graduated with a degree in political science. He attended strategic training at the National Defence College, Abuja where he obtained a certificate with an authorization to use the title, Fellow War College (FWC). He served as state director of security in Jigawa State (1998–1999), Niger State (2000–2003), Sokoto State (2003–2005) and Abia State (2005–2006). replacing Matthew Seiyefa. Bichi was replaced with Adeola Ajayi by President Bola Tinubu on 26 August 2024.

Awards After the 2019 presidential election, an election monitoring group known as the International Human Rights Commission, Geneva, Switzerland, honored Bichi, with an award. According to the group, "the award was in recognition of the exemplary performance by the Service and its personnel during the just concluded 2019 general elections."

On 11 October 2022, he was conferred with the National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. The honour is in recognition of his sterling leadership qualities and particularly for his tremendous contributions to the national security management of the country.