The Federal Government can legally monitor the phone conversations of Nigerians when national security is at stake, according to Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity.

Ajayi made the clarification while responding to comments on his Facebook post addressing remarks by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who admitted during a television interview that an unnamed individual tapped the phone of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

Controversy Over Alleged Phone Tapping

El-Rufai had appeared on Arise TV Prime Time, where he claimed that he was privy to conversations involving the NSA because “someone tapped his phone.” During the interview, when reminded that such action was illegal, he acknowledged the illegality but alleged that government agencies frequently engage in similar practices without court orders.

Responding to a Facebook user who accused the government of similar conduct, Ajayi stated that the government has lawful authority to intercept communications for national security purposes.

“The government can legitimately listen to your conversation for national security reasons. Only the government is allowed to do what is illegal for citizens to do in order to protect and preserve the collective,” Ajayi wrote.

He likened the authority to carry out surveillance to the government’s exclusive right to bear arms for security enforcement, noting that while citizens may possess firearms under strict licensing laws, broader powers remain vested in the state.

Airport Incident and Allegations

The controversy follows a recent confrontation at the Abuja airport involving El-Rufai and security operatives. The former governor alleged that the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to arrest him on the orders of Ribadu. He further claimed that his international passport was temporarily seized during the encounter.

El-Rufai also accused Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of being involved in an alleged plot against him.

The incident has intensified political tensions, particularly as El-Rufai has remained critical of the Tinubu administration since his ministerial nomination was rejected by the Senate in 2025.

Legal Debate on Surveillance Powers

Ajayi’s remarks have reignited public debate over the scope of government surveillance powers in Nigeria, particularly concerning constitutional protections of privacy and the requirement for judicial authorisation in communication interception.

Security analysts note that while national security laws permit lawful interception under specific circumstances, such actions are typically expected to follow due process and regulatory oversight.

As the political dispute unfolds, the issue of state surveillance, civil liberties, and accountability remains central to the broader national conversation on governance and security in Nigeria.

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President Bola Tinubu has approved the Nigerian delegation for the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu appointed to lead the team.

The group aims to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and the United States on security challenges.

The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, noting that the group was formed following high-level engagements in Washington, DC. Ribadu will be supported by senior officials from key government ministries and security agencies.

Members include Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs), Abubakar Badaru (Defence), Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (Interior), Bernard Doro (Humanitarian Affairs), Olufemi Olukayode (Chief of Defence Staff), Mohammed Mohammed (Director-General, NIA), and Kayode Egbetokun (Inspector General of Police). Idayat Hassan (Office of the NSA) and Paul Alabi (Nigeria Embassy, US) will serve as secretariat.

President Tinubu urged the group to work closely with their US counterparts to operationalize bilateral agreements and reinforce Nigeria’s security framework. The formation of the Joint Working Group follows Nigeria being designated a “country of particular concern” by former US President Donald Trump over alleged attacks on Christians.

The initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to diplomatic engagement and proactive security collaboration with the United States.

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Nigeria and the United States have taken steps to deepen their security cooperation, pledging expanded support for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and stabilization efforts.

The agreements were reached during a series of high-level engagements in Washington, D.C., led by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The Nigerian delegation met with senior officials from the U.S. Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of Defense.

During these meetings, the delegation emphasized that violent attacks in Nigeria affect all religious and ethnic communities, countering narratives of targeted persecution.

U.S. officials affirmed continued partnership, committing to technical support, humanitarian assistance for communities affected by Middle Belt violence, intelligence cooperation, and faster processing of defense equipment requests.

Discussions also included the potential provision of excess defense articles to support Nigeria’s fight against terrorists, bandits, and violent extremist networks.

Both nations agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework and establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate and ensure follow-through on commitments.

Experts have recommended that Nigeria adopt advanced drone technologies as a primary strategy for tackling terrorism and violent extremism. Aviation specialist Femi Adeniji, CEO of Nigame Aircraft Consult, highlighted the importance of drones like the Resolute Eagle, which can operate remotely, carry ITAR-approved arms, record live activities, and provide real-time surveillance in conflict zones.

Adeniji emphasized that relying solely on traditional manpower-heavy intelligence methods is insufficient, especially amid mistrust and corruption. He noted that modern drone technology has proven effective in reducing terror attacks in other countries, offering rapid deployment, endurance, and discreet operational capabilities.

The partnership and adoption of advanced technology aim to strengthen Nigeria’s national security framework, enhance rapid response mechanisms, and improve early-warning systems, ensuring better protection for citizens against terrorism and violent extremism.

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The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, led a 10-member Nigerian federal government delegation to the United States on Wednesday to meet with Congressman Riley Moore regarding Nigeria’s security challenges and reports of Christian genocide.

The visit follows recent claims by former US President Donald Trump about the alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria, prompting international attention. Since then, the Nigerian government has highlighted efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to curb insurgency and protect citizens across the country.

Key members of the delegation included Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation; General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Ms. Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to ONSA; Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA; Ambassador Nuru Biu, Acting CDA, Nigerian Embassy; and Paul Alabi, Political and Economic Section, Embassy of Nigeria.

During the meeting in Washington, D.C., Nigerian officials outlined counterterrorism strategies, security assistance, and measures to protect vulnerable communities. Congressman Moore affirmed US support, stating that ongoing persecution against Christians and violent threats will not be ignored and pledged continued cooperation to address these challenges.

Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the President, shared updates from the discussions, highlighting the productive dialogue and opportunities to strengthen US-Nigeria collaboration on security matters.

The delegation’s engagement underscores Nigeria’s commitment to tackling terrorism and reinforcing global confidence in its efforts to safeguard citizens from targeted attacks.

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The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday met with service chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies in Abuja following threats by United States President Donald Trump to launch military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

The high-level security meeting, held at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), assessed the implications of Trump’s remarks and deliberated on measures to coordinate a unified national security response.

Sources disclosed that the meeting, which began in the afternoon, was convened to review intelligence assessments and prepare for possible diplomatic and security outcomes.

The resolutions reached are expected to be communicated through official NSA channels.

Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, accused Nigeria’s government of failing to protect Christians from Islamist militants, warning that the U.S. “will attack and it will be fast, vicious, and sweet.” He later told reporters that both ground and air operations were being considered as part of the response.

Following the statement, Chad announced the immediate closure of its borders with Nigeria, citing security concerns and possible spillover effects of any U.S. military operation. President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno reportedly ordered a military lockdown along the border to prevent infiltration by armed groups.

Reacting to the development, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, called for renewed diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States, describing dialogue as the only path to resolving the dispute.

Similarly, the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, warned against foreign intervention and urged President Bola Tinubu to expedite the creation of state police to curb insecurity.

In a separate statement, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, said Trump’s stance was a reflection of Nigeria’s deteriorating security and governance, adding that the country’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” stemmed from leadership failures.

Security and diplomatic experts also cautioned that Trump’s comments could escalate tensions and harm investor confidence in Nigeria.

Professor Femi Otubanjo of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) described the threat as “frivolous and reactionary,” arguing that it did not reflect official U.S. foreign policy.

Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), warned that the remarks could undermine Nigeria’s global image and deter investment, despite lacking substantive policy backing.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government is expected to issue an official statement addressing the situation, as diplomatic discussions continue to prevent escalation and maintain bilateral relations with the United States.

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