The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has described as baseless and practically impossible of allegations of poaching of aircraft and stealing of baggage at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
This is coming of the heels of reports of baggage taken from the cargo hold of a private jet boarded by Nigerian’s popular female musician Tiwa Savage while taxing on Runway 18R of the airport on her way from Uyo.
The musician on arrival in Lagos airport went on her twitter handle to describe the airport as not security.
Tiwa savage twits
However, FAAN has therefore dispelled such allegations as baseless.
In a statement, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs of the Authority, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu said it is not possible for anyone to burgle an aircraft in motion. Furthermore, because aircraft are highly technical machines, it is practically impossible for anyone who does not have the requisite training and competence to operate or tamper with the baggage compartment.
It would be recalled that two incidents of alleged poaching were recently reported, the latest being that which occurred on a chartered flight from Uyo to Lagos on the 26th December, 2017.
The Authority noted that in both instances, preliminary findings from investigations conducted by an inter-agency committee set up to probe the allegations could not substantiate the claims. The purported victims in the said cases also did not make themselves available for questioning, in the quest to unravel the case.
“Although investigations are still on going, FAAN will like to reassure travellers and the general public that with the level of safety and security systems on ground at the airports, it is practically impossible for an aircraft to be burgled within our Runways and Aprons”, she added.
