The Airport Police Command has intercepted a 14-year-old stowaway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Monday, the Command confirmed.
The minor was discovered on the airport tarmac attempting to unlawfully gain access beneath an aircraft, an act police described as a serious breach of aviation security protocols in a highly sensitive operational environment.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Adeola, said preliminary investigations revealed that the juvenile entered a restricted area without authorization, contrary to Sections 2 and 3 of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) byelaws. His actions were consistent with an attempted stowaway incident.
“Upon interception, the minor was taken into protective custody in line with due process and established child protection procedures. His parents were promptly notified, and all necessary protocols were observed, including conducting interviews in the presence of his parents,” Adeola said.
The police ensured that the minor received proper care, support, and welfare considerations throughout the process.
The Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, Mnips, PhD, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s aviation infrastructure, describing the airport as a critical national asset requiring strict adherence to security regulations.
While due process will be followed, Adeola said CP Ogunbode urged parents and guardians to exercise greater vigilance over their children, especially around high-risk areas such as airports.
The minor will face proceedings under the applicable juvenile justice system and will be charged before the appropriate juvenile court.
