The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has responded swiftly to a video circulating on social media showing a man, alleged to be an FAAN official, attempting to place a wrapped substance suspected to be an illicit drug into the luggage of an Ibom Air passenger at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Tuesday.
In an official statement released today, FAAN categorically denied any affiliation with the individual in question. The incident occurred at gate 2 boarding gate at ITZ2 around 1430hrs, sparking immediate attention due to the alarming nature of the video.
Contrary to initial assumptions, FAAN clarified that the man seen in the video is not an employee of the authority but identified as a member of the staff of Pathfinder company. According to FAAN, the employee had approached a passenger, seeking assistance to convey a parcel through the flight.
Read also:Â President Tinubu Pledges Commitment to Transform Tertiary Education
The situation escalated when the passenger, feeling uneasy, raised an alarm, suspecting an attempt to involve him in drug trafficking.
The Aviation Security Services’ Crime Investigation and Intelligence Unit swiftly apprehended the individual, as confirmed by FAAN. The affected passenger, who had traveled on Ibom Air to Accra, is currently undergoing questioning.
The substance, initially believed to be an illicit drug, has been identified as “NEW AGE GLUCOSAMINE CHONDROITIN SULFATE COMPLEX” and has been forwarded to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further scrutiny.
Read also: Breaking: Supreme Court Dismisses Omo-Agege’s Appeal against Oborevwori
FAAN, in its statement, underscored its commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment within airport premises and emphasized a strict stance against any form of drug trafficking.
The incident serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required to uphold the integrity and security of air travel.
