By ITOHAN ABARA-LASERIAN

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has arrested 14 suspected vandals at the Terminal One construction site of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

Mr Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, disclosed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

According to Agbebire, the suspects were apprehended at about 6.00 p.m. on Monday.

He said the arrest followed a swift and intelligence-driven response by FAAN’s security architecture, working in close coordination with the Joint Military Task Force (JMTF) and other security agencies deployed at the airport.

Agbebire said that preliminary findings indicated that the suspects had unlawfully gained access to the Terminal One construction site by impersonating authorised construction personnel.

He said the attempt was effectively foiled through the vigilance, surveillance, and rapid intervention of FAAN security operatives and their partners.

The individuals were intercepted with vandalised materials, including copper wires and iron components, which had been illicitly removed from the construction site.

According to him, the suspected vandals were promptly apprehended and secured, with all suspected and recovered exhibits subsequently handed over to the appropriate investigative authorities for further action.

“This successful operation underscores FAAN’s robust and proactive security framework, as well as the high level of coordination among security stakeholders within the airport environment.

“It also reflects the Authority’s zero-tolerance stance on any form of criminal activity targeting critical aviation infrastructure.

“FAAN remains resolute in its mandate to protect all airport assets and ensure the safety and integrity of ongoing development projects nationwide.

“The Authority continues to enhance surveillance, access control systems, and inter-agency collaboration to deter and respond decisively to security threats,” he said.

FAAN, therefore, encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities within and around airport vicinities to security agencies.

Meanwhile, further findings indicate that the 14 suspected vandals have been transferred to the Beesam Divisional Police. (NAN)