Nigerian Lawmaker Aliyu Gebi Arrested Over Alleged False Intelligence Linking Flights Cancelled and US Travel Advisory
ABUJA, Nigeria — Aliyu Gebi, a former Nigerian lawmaker and prominent security consultant, was arrested by the State Security Service (SSS) on April 3, sparking diplomatic tensions and raising questions about Nigeria’s security landscape. Gebi, who served in the 7th House of Representatives and later advised the Nigerian government on security matters, was detained over allegations that he provided foreign embassies with false intelligence, sources confirmed.
The arrest has drawn international attention, as the alleged misinformation reportedly led to flight cancellations by major airlines and prompted the United States to issue a travel advisory urging its citizens to reconsider visiting Nigeria. While Gebi has been granted bail, investigations are ongoing, and he is expected to face charges in court soon.
The Allegations and Fallout
According to security sources, Gebi’s intelligence report caused widespread concern among foreign missions in Nigeria. Lufthansa reportedly cancelled flights to the country, and British Airways allegedly considered doing the same. The United States Embassy in Abuja also acted on the information, issuing an advisory on April 6 warning its citizens of Nigeria’s “deteriorating security situation” and urging non-essential personnel to leave the country.
The advisory cited armed robbery, kidnapping, and roadside banditry as prevalent crimes, labeling 21 Nigerian states, including Borno, Kaduna, and Rivers, as high-risk areas. The Nigerian government swiftly denied the claims, countering that the advisory did not reflect the progress being made in securing the country. Officials urged international partners to ensure balanced reporting.
“Many embassies received the report and wanted to act on it, but the Nigerian government intervened and reassured them,” a source familiar with the matter said. “However, the United States went ahead with its advisory.”
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
The incident has further strained Nigeria’s relationship with the United States, which has been under pressure since the Trump administration’s controversial claim of “Christian genocide” in Nigeria in 2020. Although former President Donald Trump later acknowledged that Muslims were also victims of violence, the issue remains a contentious point in bilateral relations.
In 2021, the US launched missile strikes in Sokoto, targeting Islamic State fighters, with Nigeria claiming it provided the intelligence used for the operation. The deployment of US troops to Nigeria’s northeastern region, where Boko Haram militants have waged a decade-long insurgency, has added another layer of complexity to the partnership. The Nigerian military clarified that US forces would only provide training and technical support, not engage in combat operations.
Who is Aliyu Gebi?
Born on January 17, 1975, in Bauchi State, Aliyu Gebi began his political career in 2011 when he was elected to Nigeria’s House of Representatives. He chaired the Committee on Internal Security and later served as a special adviser at the Ministry of Interior from 2015 to 2023. His expertise in security matters earned him a role as Special Adviser on Non-Kinetic Security Strategies at the Defence Headquarters, where he focused on peace-building and early warning systems.
Gebi’s arrest has raised questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s security apparatus, especially given his position as a trusted advisor. Attempts by PREMIUM TIMES to reach him for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone appeared to be switched off, and messages sent via WhatsApp and SMS went unanswered. Sources suggest his phone may have been confiscated by the SSS.
What’s Next?
While Gebi has been released on bail, he continues to report to the SSS headquarters as investigations proceed. Authorities are expected to file charges against him once the probe is complete. The case has cast a spotlight on Nigeria’s efforts to combat misinformation and maintain international trust amid ongoing security challenges.
As the investigation unfolds, the Nigerian government faces the dual task of addressing domestic security concerns while managing its diplomatic relationships. The incident underscores the delicate balance between transparency and the need to project stability in a region grappling with insurgency, terrorism, and violence.
Reported by Nexio News
