DSS arrests 5 Police, Immigration officers over investigation into El-Rufai’s matter

DSS arrests 5 Police, Immigration officers over investigation into El-Rufai’s matter

Five security officers are set to face prosecution following a February 12, 2026, breach at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), an incident reportedly involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

The arrests were the outcome of a joint investigation led by the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

Giving an update on the situation, the DSS which filed criminal charges against El-Rufai but could not arraign him on February 25, 2026, because he was in ICPC custody, alleged that El-Rufai bribed his way through to be able to escape arrest upon his return from overseas.

Those detained include ASP Ayuba Yakubu of the Nigeria Police Force, Murtala Inuwa of the DSS, Najeeb Murtala of the Immigration Service, and Aviation Security personnel Musa Adamu and Salihu Victor.

Investigators allege the officers admitted to accepting bribes in exchange for granting unauthorised access to restricted airport areas and compromising standard security procedures.

Authorities described the breach as a “grave insider compromise” of critical national infrastructure, emphasising the severity of internal corruption within the aviation sector.

The suspects have been handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for prosecution, while other Immigration and Customs personnel involved in misuse of uniforms—but not deemed criminally liable—will face internal disciplinary measures.

The statement reads: “At the end of a joint investigation by Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Federal Ministry of Aviation, five officers have been detained.”
They are:

i. Ayuba YAKUBU (ASP) – POLICE.
ii. Murtala Inuwa – DSS
iii. Najeeb MURTALA (ASI) – NIS
iv. Musa ADAMU – Aviation
Security ( AVSEC).
v. Salihu VICTOR – AVSEC.

“They have all confessed to receiving bribes to facilitate unauthorized entry into Restricted Areas, to obstruct lawful security operation in an unprecedented manner.

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

“Others from NIS and NCS whose involvement is not criminal; that is, did not receive bribe, but abuse their uniforms to facilitate unauthorized access, will face administrative action.”

Officials stressed that the crackdown reinforces a zero-tolerance approach toward internal security lapses in Nigeria’s aviation system, signaling stricter oversight to prevent future compromises.