by adenigga(m):
The Airport Police Command has arrested a 14-year-old boy, identified as Eke Miracle, over an attempted stowaway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The incident occurred on Monday when the teenager was discovered on the airport tarmac while allegedly attempting to gain access beneath an aircraft, in what authorities described as a serious breach of aviation security.
According to ASP Mohammed Adeola, Police Public Relations Officer, Airport Police Command, preliminary investigations revealed that the minor had unlawfully entered a restricted area of the airport without authorisation, contrary to regulations of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
He said the suspect was immediately taken into custody and handled in accordance with child protection procedures.
His parents were notified promptly, and all interactions, including interviews, were conducted in their presence.
The Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Ogunbode Olufunke, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding critical aviation infrastructure, stressing that airports remain highly sensitive zones requiring strict compliance with security protocols.
She urged parents and guardians to be more vigilant, particularly regarding the movements of minors in and around restricted environments.
The police added that the case would be handled in line with juvenile justice provisions, with the minor to be charged before the appropriate court.
Authorities reiterated their resolve to maintain safety and security across Nigeria’s aviation sector while ensuring the protection and welfare of minors involved in such incidents.
