The man who climbed on an Azman Aircraft waiting for clearance from Air Traffic Controllers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Friday is Nigerien.

This is according to the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Captain Rabiu Yadudu, who identified the man as one Mr Usman Adamu, who resides in Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos State.

The airside incursion led to the indefinite suspension of four Aviation Security unit heads.

Captain Yadudu, at a briefing in Kano on Saturday in reaction to the incident, said Adamu is currently with the Airport Police Command and the authorities consider it a serious security breach.

“The suspect identified as Usman Adamu, a Nigerien in origin and who claimed to reside in Iyana Ipaja, on the 19th of July was reported to have appeared at the domestic end of the taxiway and attempted to gain access to the aircraft while it was taxying to the holding point.

“He was apprehended, detained and is currently with the Airport police command as our investigation progresses.

“The authority considers this incident a serious security breach and an air sight incursion, this is unfortunate and embarrassing.”

The FAAN boss said efforts have been put in place to upgrade the security apparatus at the airport and the agency takes full responsibility for the incident.

“FAAN takes full responsibility for this incident as we remain fully committed to our core values.

“The Federal Government, through the Ministry of transport and the honourable minister of state for aviation, has assisted in awarding contracts for the fortification of perimeter fences through the erection of biometric security fences with intrusion detection devices and CCTV cameras with infrared capabilities for night activities. This is also in addition to observation towers being erected to ensure total coverage of the airport.

“We assure our esteemed travelling public that these measures will be upgraded, additional measures with regards to escorts of aircraft will also be intensified.” (Channels TV)

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