The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed the theft of the airfield lighting system at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. The incident occurred after rehabilitation work began on the international runway, leading to the diversion of international flights to the domestic runway. Initially, a part of the airfield system was stolen, prompting FAAN’s Managing Director, Kabir Mohammed, to order the removal of the remaining system. Unfortunately, this directive was not followed, and the remaining airfield lighting was subsequently stolen.
In response to the theft, FAAN management took immediate action. All personnel on duty were questioned, and 10 individuals, including the Chief of Airport Security and heads of the Electrical and Environment departments, were suspended. Dissatisfied with the initial investigation report, which mainly implicated junior workers, the Managing Director instructed the Director of Human Resources to establish a committee for a comprehensive investigation.
FAAN management recently conducted an inspection of airport facilities and has since reinforced security measures in the airside sterile area of the airport. Suspicions are being raised about the possibility of insider involvement, given the ignored directive to remove the lighting system and the proximity of the theft location to previously vulnerable areas.
Anonymous FAAN officials have expressed doubts about an outsider’s ability to remove the system unnoticed, highlighting the restricted and heavily monitored nature of the area. Furthermore, FAAN’s security team, comprising personnel from the Air Force, Aviation Security, and Nigeria Police, conducts frequent patrols along the runway at night.
The ongoing investigation by FAAN is crucial to uncovering those responsible for the theft and addressing any potential insider threats. It is vital for the agency to prevent any internal sabotage or unauthorized activities by airport personnel that may compromise safety and security.