Afakriya Gadzama


Afakriya Aduwa Gadzama mni OFR is a Nigerian security officer who is the Chairman of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies. He previously served as Director General of the State Security Service under President Umaru Yar'Adua from August 2007 to September 2010.

Background and education

Afakriya Aduwa Gadzama was born on 22 November 1953 at Lassa in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State Nigeria. He attended the prestigious Barewa College, Zaria from, then School of Basic studies Zaria Kaduna State. He later proceeded to the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, where he obtained his bachelor's degree in Political Science. In 2001, Gadzama attended the Senior Executive Course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru, Jos.

Early 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.

State Security Service

His postings at the State Security Service include:
In August 2007, President Umaru Yar'Adua appointed Gadzama as Director General of the State Security Service. Gadzama was instrumental in President Umaru Yar Adua's Niger Delta Amnesty Program. In September 2010, Ita Ekpeyong replaced Gadzama as Director General of the SSS after President Goodluck Jonathan's mass dismissal of security chiefs.

Later career

On December 16, 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Gadzama as the Chairman of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies.