By Matthew Denis
Authorities have arrested five security officers over their alleged involvement in a security breach at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Feb. 12, 2026, involving former Kaduna State Gov. Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, officials said the arrests followed a joint investigation into what was described as a violation of airport security procedures.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
“At the end of a joint investigation by DSS, NIS, NCS and the Federal Ministry of Aviation, five officers have been detained,” the statement said.
The officers were identified as Ayuba Yakubu (ASP) – Police; Murtala Inuwa – DSS; Najeeb Murtala (ASI) – NIS; Musa Adamu – Aviation Security; and Salihu Victor – AVSEC.
Authorities said the officers allegedly received bribes to facilitate unauthorised entry into restricted areas and obstruct lawful security operations.
The suspects have been handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for prosecution.
Officials added that other personnel from NIS and NCS who were not alleged to have received bribes but were found to have misused their positions would face internal disciplinary measures.
The airport incident was linked to events surrounding El-Rufai’s arrival from Cairo on Feb. 12, 2026. Security operatives reportedly attempted to arrest him at the airport and seized his passport. Reports indicated that he declined to accompany officers without a warrant.
Between Feb. 16 and 18, El-Rufai was detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of mismanagement of N432bn during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
After he was granted administrative bail, he was rearrested by ICPC between Feb. 18 and 19 and has remained in custody.
Operatives later searched his residence on Aso Drive, Abuja, an action his legal team described as unlawful.
In a separate matter, DSS filed a three-count charge against him over allegations of unlawful interception of communication involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, following remarks made during a television interview.
Investigations into the airport security breach and related matters are ongoing.