By Patience Makwele

Retired Navy officer Bamba Sinsy Nghipandua is said to have been quietly appointed as the new director general of the Namibian Central Intelligence Service (NCIS) this week.
The low-profile appointment follows recents speculation reported in July that Nghipandua was being considered to take over the top post at the country’s intelligence institution. 
 

Nghipandua, a retired rear admiral, began his military career shortly after Namibia gained independence in 1990 and previously served as chief commander of the Namibian Navy untill his retirement in 2020. He fills a long-vacant position left by former NCIS head Benedictus Likando, whose term ended earlier this year. Speaking to Confidente on Wednesday, Nghipandua neither denied nor confirmed citing internal protocols restricting him from speaking to the media. “Who told you I was appointed as the new director of NCIS? You called to confirm if your sources are right and then what? So that you can have something to write about?” Nghipandua questioned.
 

“Unfortunately, it is not in my power to disclose this to you, as it is against National Intelligence’s principles. I cannot answer your questions. Even the President did not announce such appointment to the general public,” he added. While the NCIS is known for its confidential operations and low public visibility, the secrecy surrounding the appointment has attracted public attention, especially given the importance of leadership transitions within the country’s state security structures.
 

Although no official announcement has been made by the Presidency, Nghipandua’s appointment signals a key reshuffle at the highest level of Namibia’s intelligence community under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s administration.
The NCIS plays a crucial but confidential role in safeguarding national security, monitoring internal and external threats, and advising the government on strategic security matters. The said appointment of a new director, particularly one with Nghipandua’s extensive military background, marks a shift in Namibia’s intelligence leadership, even as it continues to operate behind the scenes.