Drama as suspected stowaway arrested at Lagos airports

A suspected stowaway has been arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The suspect, a middle-aged man, was found in one of the aircraft belonging to United Nigeria Airlines which was parked at the MMA domestic terminal two, reported Daily Trust.

The airline, in a statement confirming the incident, said the man looked “unkempt and unconscious”.

It added that he was discovered during the pre-flight inspection this morning.

Head, Corporate Communications of the airline, Achilleus-Chud Uchegbu in the statement said the suspect had been handed over to the security agencies, saying the aviation security (AVSEC) personnel of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and those of Bi-Courtney were on the ground.

He added that the aircraft last operated Abuja-Lagos at 7.30pm on September 3, 2022 and was securely parked at the apron following post flight inspection.

The statement added, “FAAN, AVSEC and Bicourtney security services are on the ground and investigation has opened into this security breach at MMA2.

“The affected aircraft is being screened and prepared for service in accordance with United Nigeria Airlines strict security and operating standards.

“Meanwhile, the development will result in rescheduling of some flights to accommodate the investigations.

“We regret the delay this incident will cause our esteemed customers whose scheduled flight will be affected. United Nigeria Airlines remains absolutely committed to your safety at all times.”

This will not be the first time a stowaway will be diecovered at the Lagos airport.

In 2019, a stowaway found his way into a Lagos-Amsterdam flight and his dead body was recovered underneath a KLM flight that landed in Amsterdam.