The Airport Police Command has intercepted a 14-year-old stowaway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Monday after the minor attempted to gain unauthorised access to an aircraft.
The police said the teenager was discovered on the airport tarmac while trying to unlawfully position himself beneath an aircraft, describing the act as a serious breach of aviation security protocols within a highly sensitive operational environment.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Adeola, disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed the juvenile had entered a restricted area of the airport without authorisation, in violation of Sections 2 and 3 of the byelaws of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. He added that the minor’s actions were consistent with a stowaway attempt.
“Upon interception, the minor was taken into protective custody in line with due process and established child protection procedures. His parents were promptly notified, and all necessary protocols were observed, including the conduct of the interview process in the presence of his parents,” Adeola said.
He noted that the Command ensured the teenager received appropriate care, support, and welfare throughout the process.
The Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to securing the nation’s aviation infrastructure, describing the airport as a critical national asset that requires strict compliance with security regulations.
While assuring that due process would be followed, Adeola said the Commissioner also urged parents and guardians to be more vigilant over their children, particularly regarding movements around restricted and high-risk areas such as airports.
He added that the case would be handled in line with applicable juvenile justice procedures, with the minor to be charged before the appropriate juvenile court.
