The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has successfully conducted a series of arrests at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, resulting in the capture of 21 suspects involved in various illicit activities.
Among those apprehended were touts, illegal foreign exchange dealers, hawkers, and scavengers. Mr. Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, disclosed this information in a statement released on Sunday.
Emphasizing the importance of creating a sanitized airport environment free from illegal activities, FAAN handed over the suspects to the Police for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
The recent arrests are part of FAAN’s proactive approach to combat touting and other illegitimate activities within the airport premises.
In collaboration with the Joint Monitoring Task Force (JMTF) and the Aviation Security Crime Investigation and Intelligence (AVSEC-CII) Unit, FAAN has been conducting targeted raids in recent weeks.
These raids have led to the apprehension of not only touts but also cable thieves and other miscreants who pose a threat to airport safety and security.
On a specific operation conducted on August 4, 2023, the JMTF and AVSEC-CII raided the ITZ 1 and 2 landside, the car parks, and the airport access roads, resulting in the capture of 21 individuals involved in various illegal activities.
FAAN’s Director, Mr. Yakubu-Funtua, sternly warned individuals who have no legitimate business at the airport to refrain from engaging in unlawful acts, as further arrests will be made to uphold the safety and security of airport users and the airport environment.
“The Joint Monitoring Task Force (JMTF) and the Aviation Security Crime Investigation and Intelligence (AVSEC-CII) Unit have since the past few weeks conducted raids in this regard.
“Cable thieves and other miscreants have been apprehended in the course of these raids.
“On Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) JMTF and AVSEC-CII raided the ITZ 1 and 2 landside, the car parks, and the airport access roads.
“In the course of the raid, a total of 21 persons including touts, illegal foreign exchange dealers, hawkers, and scavengers were arrested.
“The apprehended suspects have since been transferred to the Nigerian Police Force through the CII for further necessary action,” he said.
Reaffirming FAAN’s commitment to its core values of safety, security, and passenger comfort, the director highlighted the authority’s unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest standards for the benefit of all airport users.
