DSS Detains Five Officers in Connection with El‑Rufai Airport Security Lapse

March 3, 2026

Five security officers have been taken into custody following a major security lapse at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) during the return of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai on February 12, 2026.

The arrests underscore a growing crackdown on corruption and insider compromise within Nigeria’s aviation security.

The investigation was a joint operation involving the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Federal Ministry of Aviation. In an official statement titled “Arrest and Prosecution of Security Officers Compromised by Nasir El-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for the February 12, 2026 Security Breach,” the agencies said:

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“At the end of a joint investigation by DSS, NIS, NCS, and the Federal Ministry of Aviation, five officers have been detained. They allegedly confessed to receiving bribes to facilitate unauthorised entry into restricted airport areas and to obstruct lawful security operations in what was described as an unprecedented manner.”

READ ALSO : El-Rufai Resists Attempted Arrest at Abuja Airport, Legal Team Condemns EFCC Actions

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The five officers involved are:

  • Ayuba Yakubu – Assistant Superintendent of Police
  • Murtala Inuwa – DSS operative
  • Najeeb Murtala – Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (NIS)
  • Musa Adamu – Aviation Security (AVSEC)
  • Salihu Victor – AVSEC official

The statement confirmed that the officers have been handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for prosecution. Meanwhile, additional personnel from the NIS and NCS, whose involvement did not constitute a criminal offense, will face administrative disciplinary action.

The breach occurred when El‑Rufai returned from Cairo and DSS operatives attempted to detain him on arrival an operation that failed initially due to security lapses. Authorities described the incident as a serious compromise of critical national infrastructure and a warning of the risks posed by insider corruption within airport security.

The move signals a heightened commitment by Nigeria’s security agencies to strengthen accountability and prevent similar breaches in the future.

 

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Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

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