A security standoff erupted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday, following a heated dispute between the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The conflict began around 2:30 p.m. at the NAHCO Shed of the Ajantako Terminal. FAAN’s Director of Aviation Security Services, Afegbai Albert Igbafe, was supervising the installation of Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) machines when Customs officers intervened.
Customs claimed they had not been notified about the new security equipment. The situation escalated when Customs officials locked Igbafe inside a storage shed. In response, FAAN officers called for reinforcements, leading to the arrival of armed FAAN security personnel.
Tensions then soared when Customs summoned backup from their Ikeja barracks, resulting in an armed standoff that lasted for hours.
Longstanding Tensions Between Customs and FAAN
Aviation officials argue that Customs has repeatedly disregarded aviation security protocols. A FAAN source stated, “Customs is just a security agency; FAAN is in charge of airport operations. They keep interfering where they shouldn’t.”
During the standoff, witnesses reported that Customs officers assaulted FAAN personnel, recording the altercation on mobile devices. “They attacked them without provocation,” a witness claimed. “It shows their complete disregard for aviation regulations.”
This is not the first time FAAN and Customs have clashed. In 2015, a confrontation occurred when Customs officers attempted to access the airport tarmac without proper accreditation. FAAN security personnel intervened, leading to a violent altercation just as International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) inspectors were assessing the airport for an upgrade.
In 2020, Customs officials were accused of bypassing security checks to facilitate illegal cash smuggling operations at the airport. Similarly, in January 2022, FAAN accused Customs officers of forcing their way into a restricted area. Customs denied wrongdoing, claiming FAAN misunderstood their role. Similarly,
NAHCO Weighs In
The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), which owns the shed where the latest incident took place, stated they were unaware of the ETD installation plans. A source revealed, “NAHCO sided with Customs, insisting they were not properly informed. This justifies their actions, in their view.“
A FAAN official, however, dismissed NAHCO’s stance. “Security upgrades don’t need their permission. This is about airport safety, not bureaucracy.”
The incident is another worrisome sign of poor inter-agency coordination and the dangers of jurisdictional disputes in sensitive areas like airports. “This kind of power struggle puts public safety at risk,” a security analyst warned. “If agencies can’t cooperate, airport security will suffer.“
Like 👍, Comment, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.
Feel free to download and share our Daily Newsletter for Wednesday, March 05, 2025. 👇
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
