El-Rufai Accuses National Security Adviser of Ordering His Arrest at Abuja Airport
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has made serious allegations against Nigeria's National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, claiming he personally ordered security operatives to arrest him at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, February 12, 2026, as El-Rufai arrived from Cairo, Egypt.
Phone Tapping Allegations Surface
In a startling revelation during an interview with Arise Television on Friday, February 13, 2026, El-Rufai asserted that Ribadu's phone had been tapped, and those monitoring the conversation heard the NSA directing security personnel to detain him. "The NSA's call was tapped. They do that to our calls too, and we heard him saying they should arrest me," the former governor stated, raising questions about surveillance practices within Nigeria's security apparatus.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain's allegations come amid growing concerns about the boundaries between national security operations and individual rights. El-Rufai's claims suggest a concerning level of internal surveillance that extends to the highest levels of Nigeria's security establishment.
Public Reactions Highlight Security Concerns
The allegations have sparked significant public debate across social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing alarm about the implications for national security and accountability.
@de_generalnoni commented: "This is serious indictment. You mean you support a man's phone being hacked! In saner climes, he will be picked up after this interview. He must provide that person!"
@zeesol16 expressed concern: "They tapped the phone of the NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER, and you're proud to say this online? If we're a serious people, he won't finish that interview before he'll be picked."
@Hemperorhush emphasized security implications: "El Rufai needs to produce who tapped the phone of our national security adviser. This is a threat to our national security and shouldn't be taken lightly."
Other reactions questioned El-Rufai's credibility and motives. @abuagoody suggested: "El Rufai is very manipulative. See how he is trying to confuse the NSA Nuhu Ribadu by saying someone tapped his phone. That's a way of diversion to turn Ribadu against his aides."
Broader Context and Previous Controversies
This incident occurs against the backdrop of El-Rufai's previous rejection by the Nigerian Senate on security grounds during confirmation hearings for a ministerial position. The former governor has been a controversial figure in Nigerian politics, often making headlines with his outspoken statements and policy positions.
During the same interview, El-Rufai also addressed the mysterious 2019 abduction of social media critic Dadiyata, whose disappearance has remained unresolved. A police confession reportedly revealed that Dadiyata's abduction involved cross-state operations from Kano to Kaduna, raising further questions about security coordination and accountability during El-Rufai's tenure as Kaduna governor.
The convergence of these allegations creates a complex narrative about security operations, political rivalries, and accountability mechanisms within Nigeria's governance structure. As both El-Rufai and Ribadu occupy significant positions in Nigeria's political landscape, their conflict highlights deeper tensions within the country's security and political establishments.
