Mohammed Shosanya
The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) personnel,Friday intercepted thieves from carting away armoured cable at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.
Mr. Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection Department of FAAN, in a statement said that three thieves were involved in the destructive act to cart away the cables.
He disclosed that while two of the suspects escaped, one Usman Musa sustained gunshot wounds and was subsequently arrested by the guards on duty at the Nigeria Air force headquarters NADC Gate of the airport.
He said that at about 01:35a.m on Friday morning, the thieves were sighted digging the FAAN underground armoured cable by the perimeter fence of the military personnel along the airport road, using digger, shovel and cutlass to perpetuate the criminal act.
Yakubu-Funtua stated that on sighting the guards, the thieves took to their heels, while one of the guards opened fire on them, aiming at the shoulder of Musa.
The statement read in part: “Usman Musa, 28 years old, is a native of Adamawa State, residing at Ijora. He sustained gunshot wounds in the process.”
Yakubu-Funtua stated that the suspect was subsequently arrested and taken to 661NAFH Ikeja.
He emphasised that Musa is presently receiving treatment at General Hospital Oyingbo and would be properly interrogated after he has stabilised.
The agency claimed that this incident could be a relevant clue to unravelling the theft of the runway lighting at the Lagos Airport.
