Five security officers have been arrested over their alleged role in a security breach at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on February 12, 2026, in an incident linked to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Authorities said the officers were detained after a joint investigation described the incident as a serious compromise of airport security procedures. The development has added another layer to the legal troubles currently facing the former governor.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, officials confirmed that the arrests followed a joint probe by the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
The statement was titled: “Arrest and Prosecution of Security Officers Compromised by Nasir El-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for the 12th February 2026 Security Breach.”
According to the statement, five officers were detained at the end of the investigation. They were identified as Ayuba Yakubu, an Assistant Superintendent of Police; Murtala Inuwa of the DSS; Najeeb Murtala, an Assistant Superintendent of Immigration; Musa Adamu of Aviation Security; and Salihu Victor of AVSEC.
Authorities alleged that the officers confessed to receiving bribes in order to allow unauthorised entry into restricted areas of the airport.
“They have all confessed to receiving bribes to facilitate unauthorised entry into Restricted Areas, to obstruct lawful security operations in an unprecedented manner,” the statement said.
The suspects have now been handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for prosecution.
Officials added that other personnel from the Immigration Service and Customs Service who were involved but did not receive bribes would face administrative sanctions.
“Others from NIS and NCS whose involvement is not criminal; that is, did not receive bribe, but abused their uniforms to facilitate unauthorised access, will face administrative action,” the statement added.
The arrests are connected to events that took place on February 12, 2026, when security operatives reportedly attempted to arrest El-Rufai upon his arrival from Cairo at the Abuja airport.
Reports said his passport was seized at the airport and that he declined to accompany security officers because, according to his associates, no arrest warrant was presented at the time.
Airports are considered high-security zones, especially international terminals. Restricted areas are strictly controlled, and only authorised personnel are allowed access. Any breach of these procedures is treated as a serious matter due to concerns about national security and aviation safety.
Authorities say the alleged bribery allowed certain individuals to interfere with security operations, leading to what they described as an unprecedented breach.
The airport incident was followed by further legal action against the former governor.
Between February 16 and 18, El-Rufai was detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations that he misappropriated ₦432 billion during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. During his time in office, he carried out reforms in education, urban development and public service. However, his administration also faced criticism over borrowing levels and demolition exercises in parts of the state.
After being granted administrative bail by the EFCC, he was rearrested between February 18 and 19 by operatives of the ICPC. He has remained in custody since then.
The ICPC later searched his residence on Aso Drive in Abuja. His legal team described the search as unlawful and said it violated his rights. Authorities, however, have insisted that due process was followed.
In a separate development, the DSS filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai over allegations that he wiretapped the phone lines of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The charges followed comments El-Rufai made during a television interview in which he spoke about security matters and his relationship with top government officials. Details of the charges have not yet been fully made public.
The former governor has denied wrongdoing in the various allegations against him. His supporters have described the actions against him as politically motivated, while critics say the investigations should be allowed to run their course.
The arrest of security officers has raised wider concerns about corruption within security agencies and the safety of key national infrastructure.
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is Nigeria’s main gateway to the world and handles thousands of passengers daily. Security at the airport involves multiple agencies, including aviation security, immigration, customs, police and intelligence services.
The Federal Government has in recent years pledged to strengthen anti-corruption efforts within security institutions. The decision to hand over the suspects to the ICPC signals that authorities intend to treat the matter seriously.
El-Rufai is a well-known figure in Nigerian politics. Before becoming governor of Kaduna State, he served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He has also been active in national politics and policy debates.
His recent legal troubles have drawn attention across the country. Some political observers believe the situation could affect alignments within political parties ahead of future elections.
Others argue that public office holders must be held accountable, regardless of their status.
The ICPC is expected to formally charge the five officers in court in the coming weeks. If convicted, they could face penalties under Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws.
Meanwhile, investigations into El-Rufai’s alleged financial misconduct and other charges are ongoing. His lawyers are expected to challenge some of the actions taken against him in court.
For many Nigerians, the case highlights two key issues: the need for strong airport security and the importance of accountability in public office.