ALGIERS, Algeria — The president of Algeria has replaced the long-time chief of the North African nation’s intelligence service with a man who served as his aide.

The office of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced the change at the top of the powerful Department of Intelligence and Security, or DRS, in a statement today.

It said that Bouteflika “today ended the functions” of army Gen. Mohamed Mediene, who has served for decades as chief of the much feared DRS and is known to his countrymen by the nickname “Toufik.” The statement said that Mediene would be taking his retirement, and that he would be replaced by Athmane Tartag.

The statement noted that Tartag had held numerous ranking intelligence and security posts before becoming Bouteflika’s aide.

First Published September 13, 2015, 4:18 p.m.