February 13, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in Nigeria, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu of engineering an attempted arrest against him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after his arrival from a trip abroad. The allegation has sparked a fierce national debate about executive overreach, rule of law, and the role of security agencies in political disputes.
According to El-Rufai, operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) — acting on behalf of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) — tried to detain him without formal invitation or arrest warrant as he disembarked from his flight on Thursday. The former governor insists the DSS operatives, allegedly under Ribadu’s direction, showed a disregard for due process and Nigerian constitutional rights.
El-Rufai recounted the encounter, stating that as he exited the aircraft, DSS personnel approached him, insisting he accompany them. He refused to comply without official documentation, and in the face of objections, supporters reportedly shielded him, enabling his departure from the airport.
The controversy deepened after El-Rufai claimed his team intercepted communications revealing that Ribadu personally ordered the mobilization of around 50 DSS operatives to “abduct and detain” him. Some social media posts circulated screenshots and videos alleged to show that Ribadu’s phone was “tapped” and used to confirm these orders — a claim that has raised additional concerns about surveillance and privacy, and has yet to be independently verified.
El-Rufai’s legal counsel and aides have condemned the airport incident as a violation of the former governor’s rights, arguing that such actions undermine core democratic principles and constitutional protections. In contrast, security agencies have offered limited public comment, with some officials attempting to clarify the circumstances surrounding the passport seizure and the roles of the EFCC and ICPC.
The allegations have sparked reactions across the political spectrum. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who visited El-Rufai to show support, framed the episode as symptomatic of a broader struggle for opposition unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. Critics of El-Rufai, including government spokespersons, have dismissed the claims as politically motivated and part of a pattern of antagonistic rhetoric.
This incident marks a significant flashpoint in Nigeria’s ongoing debate over the balance between national security imperatives and individual rights. With legal challenges, public debate, and political positioning intensifying, the nation’s democratic institutions and security architecture may face heightened scrutiny in the coming weeks.