President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Yusuf Magaji Bichi as the new Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS).

The appointment, which was announced in a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity), Garba Shehu, takes effect from today, September 14, 2018.

Bichi will take over from Matthew Seiyeifa who emerged the acting head of the agency following the sack of Lawal Daura by then Acting President Yemi Osinbajo over the siege to the National Assembly by DSS personnel.

"The new Director-General began his 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.

"Mr. 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," Shehu said in the statement.

Bichi, according to the statement, attended Danbatta Secondary School, the Kano State College of Advanced Studies and the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he graduated with a degree in Political Science.

"The new DSS boss comes to the job with skills in intelligence gathering, research analysis, conflict management, general investigation, risk and vulnerability operations, counter intelligence and protective operation and human resources management.

"In the course of his career, Mr. Bichi has worked as the State Director of Security in Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto and Abia States," the statement added.

He was at various times the Director, 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.

Bichi also served as Director at State Service Academy and is married with children.