Report: DSS detains ex-lawmaker over alleged false intelligence to foreign embassies 

The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly arrested former lawmaker and security consultant, Aliyu Gebi, over allegations that he supplied false security intelligence to foreign embassies in Nigeria, according to a report by Premium Times.

Gebi, who represented Bauchi State in the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015 and chaired the House Committee on Internal Security, was detained on Friday, April 3, 2026.

Sources quoted in the report alleged that security briefings attributed to him and submitted to diplomatic missions were later reviewed by security agencies and classified as inaccurate. Officials reportedly believe the reports may have contributed to heightened concerns among international stakeholders.

There are also claims that the development may have triggered temporary disruptions in flight operations by some airlines, although this has not been independently verified.

The former lawmaker has since been granted administrative bail but remains under investigation by the DSS. He is expected to report periodically to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja and could face prosecution after investigations are concluded.

Following his stint in the National Assembly, Gebi held several senior security-related roles, including serving as Special Adviser at the Ministry of Interior from 2015 to 2023. He was also recently linked to advisory work at the Defence Headquarters, where he reportedly focused on non-kinetic security strategies.

His arrest comes at a time of heightened security sensitivity in the Federal Capital Territory, amid increased scrutiny of Nigeria’s internal security environment by foreign governments.

In recent days, the United States Embassy in Abuja announced adjustments to its operations, including a temporary suspension of visa services and the authorised departure of non-emergency personnel, citing security concerns.

This followed a wider U.S. travel advisory that placed 23 Nigerian states on varying risk levels due to insecurity, including terrorism, kidnapping, armed banditry and violent crime.

States classified under the “Do Not Travel” category include Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and parts of Adamawa.

The advisory warned that these areas remain volatile due to frequent violent clashes, kidnappings and banditry, with security operations often carried out without prior notice.

Other states such as Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara were also flagged as high-risk zones due to persistent insecurity challenges.

In southern Nigeria, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo and Rivers State (excluding Port Harcourt) were identified as areas with elevated crime risks, including armed robbery and kidnapping.

The U.S. government also cautioned that terrorist attacks could occur in crowded public places such as markets, hotels, worship centres and shopping areas, while highlighting gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Despite the warnings, American citizens were advised to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and maintain heightened security awareness, including emergency preparedness measures while in Nigeria.