June 24, (THEWILL) – A middle-aged man, who is suspected of attempting to steal electrical cables and other equipment inside the powerhouse of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), was electrocuted, THEWILL gathered.
The man, whose identity could not be ascertained, had managed to enter the power-generating building and had begun disconnecting the installations that supply power to the Lagos airport before meeting his end.
Confirming the incident, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, stated on Monday that the agency is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that all loopholes allowing unauthorised persons into the airports are blocked.
Mrs Kuku spoke at the commissioning of 30 special forces, who will be manning the Lagos airport, affirming that some individuals have breached the perimeter fences of the airports to steal airfield lighting equipment or potentially harm some of the workers on-site.
She said, “I would say that there are two sides to this – our environment is quite unique in the sense that we do have some security issues nationwide – we’ve been quite lucky within the airport environments that we haven’t had any major incidents. We do have individual issues.
So across the airside, you’ve seen where we have people who are either crossing our fence, trying to steal our airfield lighting equipment, or potentially harming some individuals on-site. We had an incident where an individual actually entered our powerhouse and got electrocuted.”
She mentioned that FAAN has been eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the security apparatus in the past six months, highlighting discussions on funding and arming aviation security staff.
She also mentioned that significant investments have been made into the armour, training of personnel, arms and ammunition.
Addressing the newly commissioned security personnel, the FAAN MD said, “You have been specially chosen to be part of this unit. Hopefully, there won’t be a need to use your arms, but to leverage them as a deterrent.
It is critical for you to work closely with other security agencies at the airport. We aim to maintain a safe and secure environment. You may have seen the news about illicit behaviours at the airports – there are activities that need to be addressed.
“I’m pleased to have you on board. FAAN now has this select unit, and we are excited to see you perform your duties.
“The Honourable Minister, the National Security Adviser, and the President send their warm regards. They are thrilled that you are joining this elite squad. Rest assured, we fully support you. All security agencies are working closely together.”
Mrs Kuku added, “We are actively fighting against corruption, touting, and illicit activities at all our terminals nationwide. We are collaborating with security agencies, including the Air Force intelligence unit, the police, and the civil defence.
“Today marks an important day in our journey, and we expect you to make us proud. We are counting on you, and you have our full support.”
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
