DSS Arrests Ex-Lawmaker Aliyu Gebi Over Alleged False Intelligence To Foreign Missions

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have detained a former member of the House of Representatives, Aliyu Gebi, over claims that he distributed misleading intelligence reports to foreign embassies in Nigeria.

Security sources disclosed that Gebi, who served in the 7th National Assembly and works as a security consultant, was arrested on Friday, April 3. He has since been released on bail, although investigations are still ongoing. Sources said he must report regularly to the DSS headquarters.

The case was first reported by Premium Times, which stated that the former lawmaker allegedly provided intelligence to foreign missions that authorities later found to be inaccurate.

A source told the newspaper that the reports caused concern among international stakeholders, especially in the aviation sector. “Lufthansa cancelled flights scheduled to take off to Nigeria,” the source said, adding that “British Airways nearly did the same.”

Another source indicated that the same intelligence contributed to a recent advisory issued by the United States government, which warned its citizens about security risks in parts of Nigeria.

The advisory, issued by the US Department of State, cited a “deteriorating security situation.” It urged non-essential personnel to leave Nigeria and advised Americans to reconsider travelling to the country. The warning listed crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, assault and roadside banditry. It also identified high-risk states, including Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Kogi, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Rivers.

The Nigerian government rejected the advisory and asked foreign partners to ensure their security assessments are “balanced and up-to-date” and reflect “the progress being made” to improve safety across the country.

Sources also revealed that several embassies initially considered acting on the intelligence allegedly linked to Gebi. However, Nigerian authorities intervened through diplomatic engagement, which led to a suspension of planned actions.

“Many embassies received the report and wanted to act on it, but the Nigerian government dialogued with them and they shelved their plans,” another source said. “But the United States went ahead to issue that advisory.”

The incident comes at a time of existing diplomatic strain between Nigeria and the United States. Tensions increased after Washington redesignated Nigeria in 2025 as a “Country of Particular Concern” over allegations of religious persecution, an accusation the Nigerian government has repeatedly denied.

While acknowledging security challenges, the Nigerian government maintains that violence in the country affects different regions and groups, not a single religious bloc.

Gebi has held several roles within Nigeria’s security sector. He served as a member of the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015, representing a constituency in Bauchi State. During that period, he chaired the House Committee on Internal Security and also participated in the ECOWAS Parliament.

He later worked at the Ministry of Interior as a Senior Special Adviser from 2015 to 2023. He also served as Special Adviser on Non-Kinetic Security Strategies at the Defence Headquarters. In addition, he was the National Coordinator of the Security Governance Initiative, a programme launched during the Obama administration to strengthen security sector governance in Nigeria and other African countries.