Reports of Lagos airport ‘bomber’ exaggerated - FAAN

The alleged bomber was caught at a distance of about one kilometre to the international terminal.

Reports of an alleged suicide bomber arrested Monday at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, were exaggerated, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has said.

Suicide Bomber, Boko Haram

In a statement issued Tuesday by Yakubu Dati, FAAN’s General Manager, Corporate Communications, the agency said safety at the airports remain a “top priority.”

The security operatives arrested a physically-challenged man with suspected explosives at CENTREX, an annex facility belonging to the National Airport Management Authority, NAMA, on the road leading to the airport’s international wing.

Mr. Dati said the alleged bomber was caught at a distance of about one kilometre to the international terminal.

“At the time of his arrest, the suspect was said to have been loitering around the said area all morning. This attracted the curiosity of security guards on duty at the entrance of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency’s CENTREX Facility located along the airport internal link road, who promptly alerted the police,” said Mr. Dati.

He said the suspect, who was alleged to be in possession of a device used in making explosives, was promptly handed over to the Airport Police Command for interrogation.

“While we appreciate the need to promptly report all suspicious characters to security agencies, it is important to always cross-check the facts before going to press, to avoid sending the wrong signals to the public,” Mr. Dati said.

He added that safety and security of the airports remain a priority and that the various security agencies are collaborating with FAAN for a secure and safe environment.

“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria therefore wishes to reassure passengers and other airport users of adequate security architecture at MMA as well as its avowed commitment to making safety and security top priority at all times,” he said.

 

Reports of Lagos airport ‘bomber’ exaggerated - FAAN