Harry Sambou, Director General of the National Intelligence Agency was last Friday given his marching orders, Daily Observer can reveal.

According to authoritative sources, Mr Sambou got his termination letter on Friday, November 10 2006, shortly before he closed from work. He is to be replaced by his deputy, Mr Momodou Hydara who will serve as the Acting Director General. Mr Sambou was said to have handed over office to Mr Hydara but no reason has as yet been made public as to why he was sacked, but sources said it was basically an official matter. Mr Sambou was appointed as NIA Director General in April 2006 when he took over from Ngor Secka, who was charged with treason and conspiracy and is currently in custody at the Mile 2 Central Prisons.

Sources close to Mr Sambou told the Daily Observer that it is not true that Mr Sambou was arrested and detained after he had received his letter of termination.

Mr Hydara who replaces Mr Sambou served as the Gambia government press secretary in Morocco before his appointment as Deputy Director of the NIA.

In another development, Lamin Sannneh, Permanent Secretary of the Department of State for Works, Construction and Infrastructure has also been relieved of his duties according to information reaching the Daily Observer.