Are Your Calls Really Private?
By Micah Jonah, February 22, 2026
As allegations involving Nasir El-Rufai and Nuhu Ribadu ignite debate nationwide, cybersecurity experts break down how phone surveillance happens, how Nigerians can protect themselves.
Recent claims by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that phone conversations linked to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, were being monitored have sparked widespread concern across Nigeria.
The development has triggered fresh conversations about digital privacy, phone tapping, and the vulnerability of personal communications in an increasingly connected world.
While no official technical details have been released regarding the allegation, cybersecurity professionals say the public concern is understandable.
According to digital security analysts, phone monitoring can occur through several methods, many of which rely on spyware and phishing tactics.
How Phone Tapping Happens:
Experts explain that spyware remains one of the most common tools used by malicious actors. Spyware is a type of malicious software secretly installed on a device to monitor calls, track locations, read messages, and access personal data.
Attackers often deploy spyware through phishing schemes. Victims may unknowingly click on malicious links sent via SMS, email, or messaging platforms. In other cases, infected attachments disguised as legitimate documents are downloaded, triggering automatic installation of hidden software.
Once active, the spyware operates silently in the background, transmitting data back to the attacker remotely.
Another technique involves unsecured internet calls. If a user makes Voice over Internet Protocol calls through applications that do not offer end to end encryption, hackers connected to the same WiFi network can intercept traffic using network monitoring tools. These intercepted data packets can sometimes be reconstructed to reveal audio conversations.
Security professionals strongly advise the use of end to end encrypted communication platforms for sensitive discussions.
How to Detect Possible Surveillance:
Although sophisticated spyware can be difficult to detect, experts say there are warning signs users should not ignore.
One critical step is checking for conditional call forwarding to ensure calls are not being redirected to unknown numbers. Users are also encouraged to monitor unusual phone behavior such as overheating, rapid battery drain, unexplained background noise during calls, or sudden performance slowdowns.
Regularly reviewing installed applications is also essential. Any unfamiliar app should be examined immediately. Keeping devices and applications updated is equally important, as outdated systems often contain security vulnerabilities that attackers exploit.
What to Do If You Suspect Phone Tapping:
If compromise is suspected, cybersecurity experts recommend immediate action.
A full factory reset of the device is considered one of the most effective measures to eliminate malicious software. Users should also uninstall suspicious applications, change device passwords and PINs, activate SIM card lock features, and enable two factor authentication where available.
As public debate continues, digital security specialists emphasize that awareness, cautious online behavior, and regular software updates remain the strongest defenses against unauthorized monitoring.
The controversy has not only raised political questions but has also forced many Nigerians to confront a more personal concern; in today’s digital age, how secure are our conversations?
Leave your answers in the comment section.
