WorldStage– Operatives of Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS), also known as the Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday, April 10 arrested Aliyu Gebi, a former member of the House of Representatives on allegation of supplying false and misleading security intelligence to foreign embassies in Nigeria.
The arrest occurred during a period of heightened security investigations in Nigeria, which also saw the DSS filing charges against other high-profile figures like former Attorney General Abubakar Malami over unrelated allegations.
According to security sources, the arrest caused significant international alarm, leading Lufthansa to cancel flights to Nigeria, while British Airways reportedly considered similar action.
The intelligence is linked to a U.S. travel advisory warning citizens of high security risks in states like Borno, Kaduna, and Rivers.
Authorities have connected Gebi’s reports to the temporary closure of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.
Gebi is a prominent figure in Nigeria’s security architecture who represented the Bauchi Federal Constituency in the 7th Assembly between
2011 and 2015 and chaired the House Committee on Internal Security.
He served as a Senior Special Adviser at the Ministry of Interior between 2015 and 2023 and more recently as an adviser on non-kinetic security strategies at the Defence Headquarters.
After being arrested on April 3, Gebi was granted bail but continues to report regularly to SSS headquarters for questioning.
Gebi has denied the allegations, stating his actions were guided by “national interest and patriotism” and that he would never speak ill of the President or security agencies.
Security agencies have reportedly confiscated his mobile devices and plan to charge him in court once the investigation is complete.
While official details remain limited, the incident underscores the delicate balance between intelligence-sharing and national security. In a country where security concerns are taken seriously, particularly by foreign governments with personnel on the ground, the consequences of inaccurate intelligence can be swift and far-reaching.Authorities have yet to publicly outline the specific charges Mr. Gebi may face, but legal analysts note that providing false security information, especially to international actors, could carry significant implications under Nigerian law if proven.
