Authorities have arrested five security officers in connection with a major security breach at Nigeria’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja, an incident linked to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The arrests follow a comprehensive joint investigation into the February 12, 2026, incident, which represents a serious compromise of the airport’s security protocols.
The investigation was conducted by a task force comprising the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Federal Ministry of Aviation. Those detained are ASP Ayuba Yakubu (Nigeria Police Force), Murtala Inuwa (DSS), Najeeb Murtala (Immigration Service), and Aviation Security personnel Musa Adamu and Salihu Victor.
According to investigators, the suspects allegedly confessed to accepting bribes in exchange for granting unauthorised access to restricted airport zones and actively interfering with standard security measures. Authorities have characterised the event as a grave insider threat to critical national infrastructure, highlighting the vulnerability posed by compromised personnel within the aviation security system.
The five individuals have been transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to face prosecution on related charges. In a parallel action, several other Immigration and Customs personnel were identified as having misused their official uniforms to facilitate access but were not deemed criminally liable. These officers will instead face internal disciplinary measures from their respective agencies.
This coordinated response underscores a declared zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and internal compromise within Nigeria’s aviation security framework. The case is being closely watched as a test of institutional integrity at one of the nation’s key transportation hubs. Prosecution by the ICPC is the next critical step, with outcomes expected to set a precedent for handling security breaches involving public officials and entrusted personnel in the aviation sector.
