The Digest:
According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), a man identified as Segun Martins was arrested at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin after attempting to stow away on a commercial aircraft he believed was bound for the United States. The NCAA confirmed the suspect breached airside security and tried to hide in the landing gear compartment of an Overland Airways flight.
Key Points:
- The incident occurred around 3:02 PM on Wednesday, as the aircraft prepared for departure.
- Martins was spotted by ground security personnel attempting to conceal himself between the aircraft's tyres.
- He was immediately apprehended and handed over to the airport police division for investigation.
- During questioning, the suspect stated he believed the flight was heading to the United States and attempted the act to seek "greener pastures."
- The NCAA has launched an investigation into the security breach that allowed access to the restricted airside area.
- Such stowaway attempts, though rare, have been recorded at other Nigerian airports, typically involving domestic flights.
- The arrest highlights ongoing concerns about perimeter security and access control at the nation’s aviation facilities.
Sources: Vanguard, PM News
