Five security officers have been arrested and will face prosecution over a February 12 alleged security breach at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, following a joint investigation by the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
A statement from the Department of State Services (DSS) alleges the officers were compromised during the incident involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Those detained are ASP Ayuba Yakubu of the Police; Murtala Inuwa of the DSS; ASI Najeeb Murtala of the NIS; and Aviation Security personnel Musa Adamu and Salihu Victor.
Investigators said the officers “confessed to receiving bribes to facilitate unauthorized entry into restricted areas and to obstruct lawful security operations.”
They have been handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for prosecution.
Officials said other personnel from the NIS and NCS who did not receive bribes but allegedly abused their positions to grant unauthorized access will face administrative sanctions.
The agencies described the breach as “unprecedented” and said disciplinary and legal actions are meant to reinforce security protocols at the airport.
The ICPC has yet to announce a court date.
