Five security officers have been arrested following a major breach of airport security at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

A joint investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Federal Ministry of Aviation confirmed that the officers accepted bribes to facilitate unauthorized entry into restricted areas.

The arrested officers include:

Ayuba Yakubu (ASP) – Police

Murtala Inuwa – DSS

Najeeb Murtala (ASI) – NIS

Musa Adamu – Aviation Security

Salihu Victor – AVSEC

Authorities reported that all five have confessed to their involvement, which included obstructing lawful security operations in an unprecedented manner.

They have now been handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for prosecution.

Other personnel whose actions were non-criminal but involved abusing uniforms to allow unauthorized access will face administrative sanctions.

This incident stems from El-Rufai’s attempted arrest on February 12, 2026, upon arrival from Cairo.

Security operatives reportedly seized his passport, but he refused to accompany them without a warrant.

Days later, between February 16–18, he was detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged misappropriation of ₦432 billion during his governorship.

Following administrative bail, the ICPC rearrested him, and he remains in custody.

Additionally, the DSS filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai for alleged wiretapping of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu’s phone lines after comments he made in a television interview.

This case underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining airport security integrity in Nigeria and highlights the critical role of anti-corruption agencies in enforcing accountability among security personnel.