Fresh details have emerged in the unfolding controversy surrounding the return of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as the Department of State Services (DSS) confirmed the arrest of five security personnel allegedly involved in compromising a planned operation at the Abuja airport.
The officers were detained following a joint investigation into events at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 12, when DSS operatives reportedly attempted to arrest El-Rufai upon his arrival from Cairo.
According to sources, security operatives moved to detain the former governor shortly after his flight touched down. However, El-Rufai reportedly declined to accompany them, insisting on a formal written invitation.
His former spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, had earlier confirmed the encounter on social media, alleging that security agents attempted to arrest El-Rufai and seized his international passport during the standoff.
The incident quickly drew national attention, triggering political debate and raising questions about inter-agency coordination at the country’s busiest airport.
In a statement, the DSS disclosed that a coordinated probe involving the DSS, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Federal Ministry of Aviation uncovered what it described as a serious breach of protocol.
The following five officers Five officers were arrested: Ayuba Yakubu (ASP) – Nigeria Police
Murtala Inuwa – DSS
Najeeb Murtala (ASI) – NIS
Musa Adamu – Aviation Security (AVSEC)
Salihu Victor – AVSEC
The DSS alleged that the officers received bribes to grant unauthorized access to restricted airport areas and to obstruct what it termed a lawful security operation.
“They have all confessed to receiving bribes to facilitate unauthorized entry into Restricted Areas, to obstruct lawful security operation in an unprecedented manner,” the agency said.
The suspects have since been transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for prosecution.
The DSS added that other personnel whose conduct did not amount to criminality but allegedly involved abuse of office would face internal disciplinary measures.
Following the airport episode, El-Rufai honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was reportedly questioned for three days, granted bail, and later rearrested by the ICPC.
The DSS had earlier filed criminal charges against him but was unable to proceed with arraignment on February 25, 2026, because he was already in ICPC custody.
In subsequent filings, the DSS accused the former governor of bribing officials to evade immediate arrest upon his return to Nigeria.
El-Rufai has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the actions taken against him are politically motivated.
The development has deepened political tensions, with observers viewing the arrests of security personnel as a significant escalation. Analysts say the case could test institutional coordination among Nigeria’s security and anti-corruption agencies.
As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains firmly on the former governor and the agencies now entangled in one of the most dramatic airport confrontations in recent political history.
DSS Arrests Five Officers Over Alleged Bribery in El-Rufai Airport Saga
