DSS Operatives ‘Storm’ Abuja Airport to Arrest El-Rufai, Supporters Foil Dramatic Move -

By Mustapha Muhammad Tukur Illo

Drama unfolded on Thursday afternoon at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly attempted to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, shortly after he returned from Cairo, Egypt.

Eyewitnesses at the airport told Daily Star Nigeria that the security operatives approached the former governor immediately after he arrived, allegedly with the intention to detain him.

A close associate of El-Rufai, Fahad Longman, confirmed the development, describing the move as “an unlawful attempt.” According to him, El-Rufai demanded to see a valid arrest warrant or any legal documentation authorising his arrest.

“He asked them to produce a lawful warrant. They had none,” Longman claimed.
Sources at the scene said tension heightened when El-Rufai reportedly refused to comply without due process.

Hundreds of his supporters, who had stormed the airport to receive him, allegedly surrounded the former governor, outnumbering the DSS operatives and preventing what observers described as a dramatic standoff.

In the ensuing commotion, the operatives were said to have backed down, allowing El-Rufai to leave the airport premises.

The incident comes amid rising political tension following El-Rufai’s recent interview with DCL Hausa, where he launched a scathing attack on the Federal Government. In the interview, he accused the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, of allegedly orchestrating a political witch-hunt against opposition figures through the use of anti-graft and security agencies.

As of the time of filing this report, the DSS has not issued an official statement regarding the alleged arrest attempt.
Political observers say the development could further deepen the growing rift within the ruling political establishment, as speculation mounts over El-Rufai’s political future and his recent outspoken criticism of key figures in the current administration.

More details to follow……