Five security personnel attached to agencies operating at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, have been arrested and handed over for prosecution following what authorities described as an “unprecedented” security breach on February 12, 2026.
The officers were reportedly compromised by former Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai on 12th February, 2026.
According to sources, the arrests followed a joint investigation by 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, Murtala Inuwa – DSS, Najeeb Murtala (ASI) – NIS, Musa Adamu – Aviation Security (AVSEC) and Salihu Victor – AVSEC.
According to officials familiar with the probe, the officers allegedly received bribes to facilitate unauthorized entry into restricted areas of the airport and to obstruct lawful security operations.
Authorities said the suspects have confessed to their roles in compromising established security protocols at the nation’s capital airport.
The five officers have been transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for prosecution.
Investigators also identified additional personnel from the NIS and NCS whose conduct was deemed improper but not criminal. While they were not found to have accepted bribes, officials said they abused their uniforms and positions to facilitate unauthorized access. They are expected to face administrative sanctions.
The February 12 breach has raised fresh concerns about internal vulnerabilities within airport security architecture, prompting authorities to assure the public that reforms and stricter oversight measures are being implemented to prevent a recurrence.
