‘How surveillance cameras foil missing baggage claims’

Following the episode of a false missing baggage claim, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) has read riot act to fraudulent and deceptive users around the Murtala Muhammed Airport II (MMA2) Terminal in Lagos.

The warning came on the heels of a recent Ibom Air passenger, who falsely claimed missing baggage, and demanded heavy compensation shortly after arrival at the airport.

Head of Corporate Communications, Oluwatosin Onalaja, said the facility’s Aviation Security (AVSEC) and security surveillance system were at their best, to save Lagos Airport a huge embarrassment

Onalaja explained that after arriving Lagos on an Ibom Air flight from Abuja, the male adult traveller, with name withheld, raised the alarm that his checked-in luggage was missing.

“He did not declare that he had fraudulently removed the baggage tag to try to beat the system. Due to his persistence, the airline requested a review of the Closed-circuit Television (CCTV) footage of that day to ascertain what happened,” he said. From the CCTV footage, it was discovered that his alleged missing bag was his checked-in bag.

“The footage showed him picking the bag from the conveyor belt with a bag tag on it and taking it to the restroom where he removed the checked-in tag from the bag. He then went straight to the Ibom Air counter where he raised the false alarm.

“When it was established that there was no missing bag, the case was reported to MMA2’s Aviation Security and Police. He maintained his innocence until he was confronted with the CCTV footage, at which point he broke down, and confessed to the crime.”

The accused was charged to court where he pleaded guilty, showed remorse for his actions, and promised not to repeat them. He was convicted with an option of a fine.

BASL Head of Aviation Security, Monica Oguta, said that the safety and security of air travellers and other stakeholders is the priority of BASL, and therefore, have committed resources toward the maintenance of modern security surveillance systems, assuring all travellers of a safe and peaceful experience at the terminal.