Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2) in Lagos, has cautioned airport users and other persons to desist from engaging in illegal activities within the terminal.
Spokesman for BASL, Mr. Oluwatosin Onalaja, disclosed in a statement that sophisticated surveillance systems and other security measures are working 24 hours to detect and acts of criminality in the facility.
He said the warning became necessary in view of the recent detection and arrest of a fraudulent passenger who claimed to have lost his luggage and made demand for compensation until he was exposed.
“After arriving on an Ibom Air flight from Abuja, he raised an alarm that his checked-in luggage was missing deceitfully not declaring that he had fraudulently removed the baggage tag to try to beat the system. Due to his persistence, the airline requested a review of the CCTV footage of that day from BASL to ascertain what really happened.
‘From the CCTV footage, it was discovered that his alleged missing bag was actually his checked-in bag. The footage showed him picking up the bag from the conveyor belt with a bag tag on it and taking it to the restroom where he removed the checked in tag from the bag. He then went straight to the Ibom Air counter where he raised the false alarm.
“When it was established that there was no missing bag, the case was reported to MMA2’s aviation security and police. He maintained his innocence until he was confronted with the CCTV footage, at which point he broke down and confessed to the crime. He was charged to court where he pleaded guilty, showed remorse for his actions and promised not to repeat them again. He was convicted with an option of a fine,” Onalaja recalled.
Similarly, BASL head of aviation security, Mr. Monica Oguta said the safety and security of air travellers and other stakeholders is a priority.
She said the terminal manager has committed vast resources to ensure the safety of travellers as well as safe and peaceful experience at the terminal.
“To those with criminal intention, I strongly advise against attempting any illegal activities at the MMA2 terminal. We have a highly trained security team, advanced technology, and zero-tolerance policy for criminal behaviour.
‘We will take swift and decisive action to ensure the safety and security of our travellers, stakeholders and staff at our terminal,” she added.
