Due to their suspected involvement in a security breach at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 12, 2026, which authorities claim involves former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, five security officers have been detained and will be prosecuted. Authorities reportedly stated that the arrests came after a joint investigation following what was described as a severe breach of airport security procedures.
"Arrest and Prosecution of Security Officers Compromised by Nasir El-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for the 12th February 2026 Security Breach" was the title of the announcement.
The Department of State Services, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Federal Ministry of Aviation carried out the inquiry, according to the statement.
"Five officers have been detained following a joint investigation by DSS, NIS, NCS, and the Federal Ministry of Aviation," the statement said.
"Ayuba Yakubu (ASP) – Police, Murtala Inuwa – DSS, Najeeb Murtala (ASI) – NIS, Musa Adamu – Aviation Security, Salihu Victor – AVSEC" were the officers' names.
The cops had admitted to misconduct, according to the authorities.
According to the statement, "they have all admitted to accepting bribes to enable unauthorized entry into Restricted Areas, to obstruct lawful security operations in an unprecedented manner."
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has been tasked with prosecuting the suspects, according to the announcement.
It further stated that there would still be repercussions for those NIS and NCS employees whose involvement was found to be non-criminal.
The statement stated that "others from NIS and NCS whose involvement is not criminal; that is, did not receive a bribe but abused their uniforms to facilitate unauthorized access, will face administrative action."
The development is connected to a series of El-Rufai-related incidents.
When he arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on February 12, 2026, from Cairo, security personnel allegedly tried to arrest him. He apparently refused to go with agents without a warrant, and his passport was allegedly confiscated.
A few days later, on February 16 and 18, El-Rufai was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on charges of embezzling ₦432 billion while serving as Kaduna State's governor.
He was arrested again by ICPC agents on February 18 and 19, shortly after the EFCC granted him administrative bail. He has been detained ever since.
In later events, ICPC agents searched his home on Aso Drive in Abuja; his legal team denounced this as illegal and a breach of his rights.
In response to comments El-Rufai made in a television interview, the Department of State Services has filed a three-count charge against him for allegedly eavesdropping on National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu's phone lines.