Nigerians have called for an urgent reform of the security system across airports in the country following two recent incidents in Abuja and Lagos.

They made the call following a statement by the spokesman of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, to confirm the receipt of an official petition from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) over an alleged incident involving fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.

?He is accused of engaging in unruly conduct that allegedly obstructed the safe operation of an aircraft, in violation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023 following a reported incident on 5 August 2025 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja,? Adejobi said.

?In response, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the matter, to unravel the circumstances which led to the ugly incident and ensure justice is served accordingly.

?The Force hereby assures the public of its commitment to upholding safety and security within Nigeria?s aviation sector, while assuring stakeholders in the sector of improved collaboration towards aviation security and strict compliance with aviation laws.?

Reacting to Adejobi?s statement on X, Nigerians demanded for a quick reform of the security system across airports in the country.

?I am here considering the recent incidents at our Nigeria airports from the altercation involving King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall to the reported case of a lady slapping an Ibom Air hostess it is clear that Nigeria?s airport security system needs urgent reform,? an X user identified as Chief Ayodele Afolabi wrote.

?This concern is even more pressing now, given that we have just commissioned a new airport worth millions of dollars, and the Minister of Aviation has announced plans for another in Lagos, expected to cost the federal government billions.

?I propose the formation of a specialized Airport Quick Intervention Squad made up of highly trained police, military, naval, or mobile force officers. These officers should receive international-level training, with the dual mandate of handling evacuation of disruptive passengers and responding to terrorism threats within airport premises.

?One of the major lessons from both incidents is that the evacuation processes lacked the level of professionalism required for high security environments. A dedicated, well-trained squad would ensure that such situations are managed swiftly, systematically, and without compromising safety or order.?

Afolabi said by creating this specialized unit, Nigeria can not only reduce incidents like these but also enhance the country?s global reputation for aviation safety and operational discipline.

He added that from the Ayinde airport drama to the Ibom Air slapping incident, one thing is clear, Nigeria needs a trained Airport Quick Intervention Squad.

?Armed, internationally trained officers dedicated to evacuating disruptive passengers and handling terror threats. Professional response saves lives, preserves order, and protects Nigeria?s aviation image,? he said.

Another X user, HabdulAkeem Bhadmus, in his call for reform said: ?If the NPF continues like this, the disrespect our police are seeing now will only get worse.? (The Guardian)

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