Ex-DGSI Boss Nacer El Djinn’s Escape Puts Algerian Leadership Under Pressure

The escape of General Abdelkader Haddad, better known as Nacer El Djinn, the former head of Algeria’s powerful internal intelligence service, the DGSI, has led to unprecedented turbulence in the country, especially within the leadership circle.

El Djinn was dismissed from his post in May 2025. He was first placed under house arrest before being transferred to the Blida military prison. But in a spectacular twist, he reportedly escaped recently by sea in a makeshift boat, allegedly with the help of high-ranking officers. Multiple sources suggest that he has already reached Spain, where he is believed to own property and hold residency documents.

His escape has sent shockwaves through the regime. Authorities immediately ordered the lockdown of Algiers, convened an emergency meeting of the High Council of Security, and temporarily shut down several border points. Across the country, security has been stepped up, with roadblocks, checkpoints, and heightened surveillance measures in an attempt to trace his movements.

El Djinn, considered a “black box” of the regime, holds explosive knowledge about clan rivalries, corruption networks, and state repression. His escape not only deals a severe blow to the credibility of Algeria’s security apparatus but also threatens to destabilise the fragile balance of power at the top. The newly appointed DGSI chief, General Abdelkader Aït Ouarabi, now faces immense pressure to contain the fallout from this crisis.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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