The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN),has accused the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of breach of security at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.
The agency alleged that the Customs Area Comptroller for Hajj and Cargo Terminal at the Lagos Airport and one Agunbiade, a customs officer on the Area Comptroller’s entourage manhandled Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel on duty at the Gate 3 of the Security Restricted Area (SRA) of the airport.
Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, the General Manager, Corporate Communications, FAAN, who conveyed this in a press statement,said that the security breach occurred last Thursday at about 17:45hrs.
She added that AVSEC officers on day duty at Gate 3 were profiling a Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) vehicle that wanted to access the SRA via gate 3, when the Customs Area Comptroller suddenly emerged and pulled off behind the NAHCO vehicle that was being attended to, while one CSC Agunbiade, a customs officer on the Area Comptroller’s entourage later shoved aside the AVSEC officer at the gate.
She also alleged that the customs officers forcefully took over the gate and opened it for the Comptroller and his escorts to forcefully access the Security Restricted Area via the gate.
She added: “While accessing the gate, the armed escorts to the Comptroller threatened to beat up the AVSEC officers at the gate if they dare resist their assault and breach of security.This blatant abuse of the privilege of bearing firearms by the NCS has become a recurrent threat to the safety and security of our staff and our operations.”
Yakubu, however, said that FAAN was working to resolve all its challenges decisively, but urged all stakeholders to respect its mandate by being of disciplined and professional conduct in the interest of national security and operational safety.
