Stowaway apprehended at Lagos airport

By Samson Echenim 

An attempt by a man to board an Air Peace aircraft which was taxing for take off at the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos at 9.10 am has been foiled by security personnel.

It was gathered that the man emerged from the bush around the airport, and was trying gain access into the plane as the Owerri-bound aircraft (flight P47252) was preparing to fly.

Air Peace spokesman, Stanley Olisa who confirmed the incident said the man was in his twenties. He said the pilot was alerted by another pilot who was in a private jet at that time.

He said, “This morning, at exactly 9:10 at the MMA1 Lagos, an Owerri-bound Air Peace aircraft (flight P47252) was taxing towards the threshold for take-off, when a man, in his twenties, emerged from the bush along the runway, and tried to gain access to the aircraft through the wheel-well.

“There was a private jet behind the aircraft. The pilot in command of the private jet informed the Air Peace pilot in command that a young man obviously in his twenties, was trying to force his way into the aircraft.

“The security wing of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, was alerted and the man was accosted and whisked away. He is currently in the regulator’s custody. When interrogated on why he took the action, the man stated that he thought the aircraft was headed overseas. We commend FAAN for its timely intervention. The regulator is already investigating the incident.

“Air Peace remains committed to the safety of its customers and will continue to demonstrate this commitment in all aspects of its operations. At Air Peace, safety is at the heart of what we do.”