DSS Arrests Senator Over ‘False Intel’ Sent to Foreign Embassies

Operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) have apprehended Aliyu Gebi, a former federal lawmaker, amid allegations of disseminating misleading security intelligence to foreign embassies in Nigeria, according to Politics Nigeria.

This incident has sparked renewed concerns in both security and diplomatic circles regarding the implications for the country’s international reputation.

Gebi, who served as a representative in the 7th National Assembly and is currently a private security consultant, was arrested on Friday, April 3, following several weeks of surveillance on his communications and activities. Although he has been released on bail, he remains under close scrutiny and is required to report regularly to the DSS headquarters as the investigation continues.

The inquiry centers on claims that Gebi provided foreign missions with intelligence reports that were later found to be inaccurate and potentially alarmist, particularly regarding Nigeria’s security situation in the aviation sector.

Sources within the security community said the information triggered reactions among some international stakeholders. Airlines were said to have reviewed their operations shortly after the reports circulated.

Germany’s Lufthansa reportedly cancelled some flights into Nigeria, while British Airways was said to have considered similar steps before holding back.

The situation also appeared to influence a travel advisory issued by the United States government. In the advisory, American citizens were warned about security risks in parts of Nigeria. It advised non-essential staff to leave and urged travellers to reconsider visits due to threats such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and general insecurity in states including Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, and Rivers.

However, Nigerian authorities did not take the development lightly. Government officials pushed back against what they described as exaggerated claims. They insisted that while security challenges exist, there have been steady improvements across many regions.

Officials also urged foreign partners to rely on verified and balanced information when issuing advisories that could affect the country’s economy and global standing.

Further checks revealed that some embassies initially considered acting on the intelligence they received. Plans were reportedly being discussed quietly before diplomatic engagements by Nigerian authorities led to a pause.

“Many embassies received the report and wanted to act on it, but the Nigerian government dialogued with them and they shelved their plans,” a source said.

Despite those interventions, the United States went ahead with its advisory, a move that sparked debate among policy watchers and security experts.

Security analysts say the case highlights the sensitive nature of intelligence sharing and the risks associated with unverified information. There are also concerns about how such reports can affect investor confidence, international travel, and diplomatic relations.

As of the time of filing this report, the DSS has not issued an official public statement on the arrest. Efforts to reach Gebi for comments were unsuccessful.

The investigation is still ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days as authorities continue to question those linked to the matter.