Five security officers have been arrested and are set to face prosecution over their alleged involvement in a security breach at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 12, 2026, in an incident authorities say involved former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Authorities confirmed that the arrests followed a joint investigation into what was described as a serious compromise of airport security protocols.
According to officials, the investigation was conducted by the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Federal Ministry of Aviation. At the conclusion of the probe, five officers were detained.
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 stated that the officers confessed to receiving bribes to facilitate unauthorised entry into restricted areas and to obstruct lawful security operations.
The suspects have been handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for prosecution. Officials added that other personnel from the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Customs Service, whose involvement was deemed non-criminal, will face administrative sanctions for abusing their positions to enable unauthorised access.
The incident is linked to events that occurred on February 12, 2026, when security operatives reportedly attempted to arrest El-Rufai upon his arrival from Cairo at the airport in Abuja. His passport was reportedly seized, and he declined to accompany operatives without the presentation of a warrant.
In subsequent developments, operatives of the ICPC later searched his residence on Aso Drive, Abuja, an action his legal team described as unlawful and a violation of his rights.
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