FAAN security apprehend suspected stowaway in Lagos

An intruder was yesterday apprehended at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos when he attempted to access an Air Peace aircraft heading to Owerri, Imo State thinking it was an international flight departing to overseas.

The incident happened at about 9:10 at the domestic terminal when the Owerribound Air Peace aircraft, flight P47252, with 171 passengers and six crew members was taxing towards the threshold for take-off.

The man in his 20s reportedly emerged from the bush along the runway, and tried to gain access to the aircraft through the wheelwell.

Spokesperson of FAAN, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu and Air Peace spokesman, Stanley Olisa confirmed the development.

It was learnt that while the man was attempting to access the aircraft, there was another private jet behind.

It was the pilot-incommand of the private jet that informed the Air Peace’s pilot-in-command that a young man was trying to force his way into the aircraft.

They therefore alerted the Aviation Security arm of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), who stopped the man and whisked him away.

Olisa said when interrogated on why he took the action, the man stated that he thought the aircraft was headed abroad.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu in company with the Directors of Aviation Security services, and Airport operations, among others inspected the site of the incident.

Spokesman of the MMIA Police Command, DSP Joseph Alabi said the suspected stowaway is in the CID unit of the command at Beesam for further interrogation.