The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has described as “baseless” and “practically impossible” reports about poaching of aircraft and stealing of baggage at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
Speaking through its general manager, corporate communications, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu in Lagos today, FAAN said it is not possible for anyone to burgle an aircraft in motion.
Furthermore, because aircraft are highly technical machines, FAAN said it is practically impossible for anyone who does not have the requisite training and competence to operate or tamper with the baggage compartment.
It would be recalled that two incidents of alleged poaching were recently reported, the latest being the one that was said to have occurred on a chartered flight from Uyo to Lagos on December 26, 2017.
“The Authority noted that in both instances, preliminary findings from investigations conducted by an inter-agency committee set up to probe the allegations could not substantiate the claims.
“The purported victims in the said cases also did not make themselves available for questioning, in the quest to unravel the case.
“Although investigations are still ongoing, FAAN will like to reassure travellers and the general public that with the level of safety and security systems on ground at the airports, it is practically impossible for an aircraft to be burgled within our runways and aprons,” said Yakubu.
