Former Defence Minister and Chief of Defence Force Moosa Ali Jaleel has been appointed Director General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), placing the veteran military officer at the helm of the country’s principal counterterrorism coordination body.
A Government official has confirmed the appointment to The Standard, stating that Jaleel had assumed leadership of the centre.
The appointment was made on Wednesday, October 28, succeeding the centre’s previous Director General, Wais Waheed.
The circumstances surrounding the leadership change remain unclear, including whether Waheed resigned or was removed from the position.
Jaleel brings more than three decades of military experience to the role, having previously served in some of the highest positions within the Maldives’ defence establishment.
He retired from military service on February 9, 2012, after completing 32 years in the armed forces, including his tenure as Chief of Defence Force.
Following his retirement, Jaleel continued his involvement in public service and national security, later serving as Minister of Defence during former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration.
His tenure as Defence Minister ended in October 2015 when he was dismissed from the position.
Jaleel has also remained active in politics. He contested the Malé mayoral election held in April 2026 as a candidate representing the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), but was unsuccessful.
In November 2024, the government conferred upon him the Nishan Askaree Verikamuge Izzaiy, a military honour recognising his contributions to the defence and security of the Maldives.
The recognition acknowledged his longstanding service in the armed forces and his contributions to the country’s defence sector.
The National Counter Terrorism Centre plays an important role in coordinating the Maldives’ efforts to prevent and respond to terrorism and violent extremism.
Established within the country’s counterterrorism framework, the centre works with relevant state institutions to strengthen national security coordination, support preventive measures and address threats associated with terrorism.
Its responsibilities include facilitating cooperation between security agencies and other stakeholders involved in counterterrorism efforts.
The Maldives has placed increasing emphasis on counterterrorism coordination in response to evolving security challenges, including concerns surrounding violent extremism, radicalisation and the activities of individuals linked to extremist organisations.
The country’s Counter-Terrorism Act provides the legal framework for addressing terrorism-related offences and supporting the work of institutions responsible for national security.
Jaleel’s appointment brings an experienced former military commander into a senior national security position, drawing on his previous leadership roles within the Maldives National Defence Force and the Ministry of Defence.
