Security operatives at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, on Wednesday apprehended a suspected stowaway who attempted to flee the country by hiding beneath a departing aircraft.
The suspect, identified as Segun Martins, was intercepted at 3:02 p.m. after unlawfully breaching the restricted airside of the airport. Officials said he positioned himself at the base of an Overland Airways aircraft as it prepared to taxi for takeoff.
In a statement posted on his verified 𝕏 handle, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, confirmed that Martins attempted to conceal himself between the aircraft’s tyres in a desperate bid to leave Nigeria.
He said the airport’s ground security team promptly arrested the suspect and handed him over to the Airport Police Command for interrogation and further investigation.
Achimugu added:
“At approximately 1502 hours, a male identified as Segun Martins gained unauthorised access to the foot of an Overland aircraft that was about to taxi for takeoff and attempted to conceal himself between the aircraft tyres. Ground security apprehended the individual and handed him over to the Airport Police.
“Mr. Martins stated that he believed the aircraft was heading to the United States of America and intended to escape by hiding on it.”
Authorities say investigations are ongoing.