Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has now been given additional security at his home Malé City, in light of an intelligence report compiled by authorities.

A source close to the former strongman confirmed this to RaajjeMV, under the condition of anonymity. However, the Maldives National Defence Force is yet to officially acknowledge this.

Military officials now stand guard at the entrance of the house, Endheri Maage, and take note of all visitors, in addition to having searched them before entering.

The source further said that it is surreptitious that authorities have taken up control of security there, and alleged that this may be a government ploy to ‘monitor’ those that the opposition leader meets.

Those who have occupied the office of the president are entitled to security personnel even after their tenure.

The security team provided to former President Maumoon had been significantly reduced after he withdrew his support for the government and his half-brother, incumbent President Abdulla Yameen.

The ruling Progressive Party of Maldives’ faction loyal to Maumoon signed a coalition agreement in 2017 with opposition parties; Maldivian Democratic Party, the Jumhooree Party, and the Adhaalath Party.