DSS Arrests Former Lawmaker Aliyu Gebi For Misleading Foreign Embassies With False Security Intelligence

Aliyu Gebi, a former member of the House of Representatives, was detained by Department of State Services (DSS) agents on suspicion of distributing false security intelligence reports to foreign embassies in Nigeria.

Gebi, a security consultant and former lawmaker who served in the 7th National Assembly, was arrested on Friday, April 3, according to security sources familiar with the case. He has since been granted bail but remains under investigation and is required to report regularly to the DSS headquarters.

Gebi is suspected of providing foreign missions with intelligence materials that authorities later deemed deceptive, according to Premium Times. A security source told Premium Times that the reports triggered concern among international stakeholders, especially in the aviation sector.

"Flights to Nigeria were cancelled by Lufthansa," the source said, adding that “British Airways nearly did the same.” Another source claimed the intelligence contributed to a US travel advisory warning citizens about security risks in parts of Nigeria. The US State Department advised non-essential personnel to leave and urged Americans to reconsider travel, citing kidnapping, armed robbery, assault, and banditry across several states including Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, and Rivers.

Parts of the advise were rejected by the Nigerian government, which urged foreign partners to make sure that security assessments are "balanced and up-to-date" and represent "the progress being made." Sources said some embassies initially considered acting on the intelligence, but diplomatic engagement from Nigerian authorities helped calm tensions.

According to one source, "many embassies received the report and wanted to act on it, but the Nigerian government dialogued with them and they shelved their plans." "But that advisory was issued by the United States."