Tension rises as politician faces probe for alleged false security alerts affecting international travel to Nigeria

Aliyu Gebi, a Nigerian politician and security consultant, was arrested last week over allegations that he supplied what security sources described as false intelligence to foreign embassies in Nigeria.

He has, however, been granted bail, according to a report by PREMIUM TIMES.
Mr. Gebi, who served as a lawmaker in the 7th House of Representatives, was apprehended by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) on Friday, April 3, based on information from sources familiar with the matter.
The former legislator, now regarded as a notable figure in Nigeria’s security space, allegedly shared misleading intelligence with embassies operating in the country.
A security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the report triggered panic, leading to disruptions in international travel plans.
“Lufthansa cancelled flights scheduled to Nigeria,” the source said, adding that British Airways also considered similar action.
Another source disclosed that the same intelligence informed an advisory issued by the United States to its citizens in Nigeria. Citing a “deteriorating security situation,” the US Department of State urged non-essential staff to leave the country and advised Americans to reconsider travel to Nigeria.
The Nigerian government has rejected the claims, urging international partners to rely on balanced and up-to-date information that reflects ongoing efforts to improve security nationwide.
In its advisory, the US highlighted concerns such as armed robbery, kidnapping, assault, and roadside banditry, listing several states—including Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Kogi, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina—as high-risk areas. Other states mentioned include Sokoto, Zamfara, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers.
Although the exact contents of Mr. Gebi’s report remain unclear, multiple sources indicated that it created diplomatic unease.
“Several embassies received the report and were prepared to act on it, but Nigerian authorities engaged them, and most suspended their plans,” a source said. “However, the United States proceeded with its advisory.”
Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States had already been strained in recent times, particularly following previous security-related claims and policy actions involving both countries.
While acknowledging ongoing security challenges, the Nigerian government maintains that all citizens, regardless of religion, are victims of violence and terrorism.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gebi remains under investigation despite being granted bail. Sources say he has been reporting regularly to the SSS headquarters and is expected to face formal charges in court.
Attempts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone lines were unreachable and messages sent via SMS and WhatsApp went unanswered, raising speculation that his devices may be in custody.
Who is Gebi?
Aliyu Gebi was born on January 17, 1975, in Bauchi State. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2011, where he chaired the Committee on Internal Security.
He later served as Special Adviser at the Ministry of Interior from 2015 to 2023. Subsequently, he was appointed Special Adviser on Non-Kinetic Security Strategies at the Defence Headquarters, focusing on peacebuilding, early warning systems, and coordinated responses to insurgency and cross-border terrorism.
Investigation into the matter is ongoing.