Abuja, Nigeria – February 13, 2026 — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised the attempted arrest of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), describing the incident as a “national embarrassment” and a violation of the rule of law.
Atiku made the remarks on Thursday during a solidarity visit to El-Rufai at his residence in Abuja. The visit came hours after reports emerged that DSS operatives had attempted to detain El-Rufai shortly after his arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from Cairo, Egypt, aboard an EgyptAir flight. The former governor was reportedly intercepted upon disembarking but was eventually allowed to proceed home following interventions and negotiations.
Speaking at the residence, Atiku emphasised that Nigeria operates under the rule of law and that there was no justification for the manner in which El-Rufai was treated. He noted that the former governor had served in high public offices—including as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Governor of Kaduna State—with distinction and should have been accorded due respect and process.
“They could have allowed you to return home and then invited you if necessary,” Atiku said. “You have held high public offices, as a minister and as a governor and discharged your duties successfully. There was no need to embarrass you, because by doing so, they embarrass the entire society. We will stand by you and every law-abiding citizen of Nigeria.”
The former Vice President’s visit followed a similar solidarity call earlier in the day by former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, underscoring a growing show of support from prominent political figures across party lines for El-Rufai amid the controversy.
The attempted arrest has triggered widespread reactions from political leaders, civil society groups, and the public. Critics have described the incident as heavy-handed and politically motivated, while supporters of the current administration have urged restraint pending official clarification from security agencies.
Neither the DSS nor the Office of the National Security Adviser has issued an official statement confirming or denying the incident at the time of this report. Sources close to the Department of State Services have indicated that the matter relates to an ongoing investigation, though no specific charges or details have been made public.
El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 and has remained an influential voice in Nigerian politics since leaving office, has not yet spoken publicly on the incident beyond acknowledging the visits from political allies. Close associates say he is consulting with legal advisers and may address the public in due course.
The development has reignited debate over the use of state security apparatus in political matters, the protection of due process for former public officials, and the need for transparency in security operations. Several commentators have called on the federal government to clarify the basis for any intended action against El-Rufai and to ensure that all processes respect constitutional rights and judicial oversight.
Atiku’s condemnation carries significant political weight, given his stature as a former Vice President and a leading opposition figure. His decision to visit El-Rufai personally signals a rare show of cross-party solidarity in defence of perceived procedural fairness.
As the situation continues to unfold, political observers will be watching closely for any official response from the Presidency, the DSS, or relevant investigative bodies. The incident has already become a major talking point on social media and in national discourse, with many Nigerians expressing concern over what they perceive as selective or arbitrary use of security powers.
Further updates are expected as more details emerge regarding the circumstances of the airport incident and any subsequent developments in the investigation.
