Five security officers have been arrested and are facing prosecution for allegedly facilitating a security breach at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 12, 2026, an incident linked to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that the arrests followed a joint investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Federal Ministry of Aviation, which described the case as a serious compromise of airport security.
The detained officers were identified as Ayuba Yakubu (ASP) – Police, Murtala Inuwa – DSS, Najeeb Murtala (ASI) – NIS, Musa Adamu – Aviation Security and Salihu Victor – AVSEC
According to the statement, the officers admitted receiving bribes to allow unauthorized entry into restricted areas and obstruct lawful security operations. They have now been handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for prosecution.
Other personnel from NIS and NCS whose involvement was deemed non-criminal such as abusing uniforms without taking bribes will face administrative sanctions.
The development stems from El-Rufai’s February 12 arrival from Cairo, when security operatives reportedly tried to arrest him at the airport. His passport was seized, and he refused to accompany officers without a warrant.
Subsequently, El-Rufai was detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of misappropriating ₦432 billion during his tenure as Kaduna State governor. He was later rearrested by ICPC operatives and remains in custody. ICPC also searched his residence on Aso Drive, Abuja, an action his legal team described as unlawful.
Additionally, the DSS has filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai over alleged wiretapping of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu’s phone lines, following comments he made during a televised interview.
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