DSS Arrests Five Officers Over El-Rufai Airport Incident

The Department of State Services has confirmed the arrest of several security operatives over alleged misconduct linked to the return of Nasir El-Rufai to Nigeria from Egypt on February 12. The agency said the officers were detained following a joint investigation involving other security institutions after a failed attempt to arrest the former Kaduna State governor at the airport.

According to earlier accounts, security operatives tried to arrest El-Rufai upon his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, but he declined to accompany them without a formal invitation. His international passport was later seized during the incident. His spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed the development in a post on social media platform X.

El-Rufai later honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission three days after the airport incident and was questioned for several days before being granted bail. However, he was subsequently taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, where he has remained in detention. The DSS had filed criminal charges but could not arraign him on February 25, 2026, due to his custody status.

In its update, the DSS alleged that some operatives facilitated irregular access during the episode. Following the joint probe involving the DSS, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Federal Ministry of Aviation, and the Nigerian Police Force, five officers were detained and handed over for prosecution. The agency said some of the suspects admitted to receiving bribes, while others will face administrative action. El-Rufai has maintained his innocence, alleging political persecution.