El-Rufai Bugging Scandal Could Shake Nigeria’s Global Security Partnerships — Former Intel Chief

Speaking to Punch on condition of anonymity, the officer emphasized that the issue goes beyond domestic procedures and could compromise operational security.

“Intelligence depends on compartmentalisation. Once the conversations of a senior official are monitored, both allies and covert assets are at risk, and adversaries can exploit exposed patterns. It’s not only illegal in most circumstances, it also corrodes operational effectiveness,” he explained.

He warned that such an incident could erode the trust of foreign partners involved in intelligence sharing and counter-insurgency operations with Nigeria. The former intelligence officer highlighted that the repercussions might even affect strategic partnerships, including those with the United States.

“International cooperation could suffer. Partners may suspend intelligence sharing until they are confident that sensitive channels are secure. Domestically, morale drops, and human intelligence sources might withdraw, fearing exposure, which would directly weaken prevention and counter-terrorism efforts,” he added.

El-Rufai’s Allegation Draws Criticism

Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has faced heightened scrutiny following his claim that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had his phone tapped.

In an interview on Arise TV on Friday, El-Rufai alleged that he learned of a purported plan to arrest him upon returning to Nigeria through information obtained from the NSA’s phone.

“Ribadu made the call because we listened to their calls. The government assumes they are the only ones monitoring conversations, but we have our ways. He gave the order to arrest me. Technically, that is illegal. I know, but the government routinely listens to calls without court orders. Yet someone tapped his phone and revealed the order,” he stated.