DSS names Rasheed Lawal as new chief security officer for President Tinubu

The Department of State Service (DSS) has appointed Rasheed Atanda Lawal, a Deputy Director, as the new Chief Security Officer (CSO) to President Bola Tinubu, succeeding Adegboyega Fasasi.

Details about the change remain sparse, but sources indicate that Fasasi, who has served as CSO since Tinubu took office, is stepping down to pursue a professional training course. According to insiders, DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi sought President Tinubu’s approval to allow Fasasi to take advantage of this strategic opportunity.

While some observers speculated about potential controversies surrounding the transition, sources within the agency emphasized that such changes are typical. “It’s not unusual for changes like this to occur when a new DG is appointed at the DSS,” an anonymous source remarked. “Typically, the new Director-General prefers to install trusted personnel in key positions, especially in sensitive areas like the President’s security.”

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The source acknowledged that although Fasasi’s departure is officially linked to his training, there may be underlying factors influencing the decision. However, they stressed that this should not be viewed as a cause for concern, framing it as a standard practice in security operations.

As of now, there has been no official confirmation of the changes in the CSO’s office, but another source reassured that the situation should be seen as a routine security posting.

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