We take responsibility for security breach on stowaway— FAAN MD

The acting Managing Director of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Captain Hamisu Rabiu Yadudu, has admitted full responsibility of security breach, occasioned by a stowaway, which occurred on Azman Airline at Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Ikeja Lagos. Yadudu said the ugly incident not only caused a national embarrassment but equally tested aviation’s security and safety net.

The incidence occurred, when a middle-aged man was found climbing the wing handle of a Port Harcourt-bound Azman Airline, last Friday, at Murtala Muhammad International Airport. It was reported that the pilot of the aircraft with REG number 5N-HAI, detected the stowaway, while awaiting final permit to take off.

Addressing a press conference at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, yesterday, Yadudu regretted what he considered “serious airside incursion,” insisting any officer found guilty of negligence would be fully held accountable. Yadudu revealed how the same suspect, identified as Usman Adamu, was earlier arrested and later released by security patrol for loitering around the Airport premises at about 10pm, six days before the ugly incidence.

The FAAN boss said the suspect was undergoing an investigation to ascertain the intent, and that a high level panel had been constituted to unravel how the suspect bypassed the security check. He said: “This is unfortunate, bearing in mind the huge effort and resources dedicated to the maintenance of integrity of Airside and Airport safety. 

“We do understand that security wheel is ever revolving, with new and emerging threat daily, and we have been working with all our stakeholders and the regulatory agency (NCAA) in addressing our living security challenges…”