The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has arrested 14 suspected vandals at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The suspects were apprehended at about 1900 hours on April 20, 2026, following a swift response by FAAN’s security architecture, working in close coordination with the Joint Military Task Force (JMTF) and other security agencies deployed at the airport.

In a statement by Henry Agbebire, director, public affairs and consumer protection, FAAN said preliminary findings indicate that the suspects unlawfully gained access to the Terminal One construction site by impersonating authorised construction personnel—an attempt that was effectively foiled through the vigilance, surveillance, and rapid intervention of FAAN security operatives and their partners.

“The individuals were intercepted with vandalised materials, including copper wires and iron components, which had been illicitly removed from the construction site.

“They were promptly apprehended and secured, with all suspects and recovered exhibits subsequently handed over to the appropriate investigative authorities for further action,” Agbebire said.

He stressed that the successful operation underscores FAAN’s robust and proactive security framework, as well as coordination among security stakeholders within the airport environment.

“It also reflects the Authority’s zero-tolerance stance on any form of criminal activity targeting critical aviation infrastructure.

“FAAN remains resolute in its mandate to protect all airport assets and ensure the safety and integrity of ongoing development projects nationwide. The Authority continues to enhance surveillance, access control systems, and inter-agency collaboration to deter and respond decisively to security threats,” he added.

Agbebire encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities within and around airport vicinities to security agencies.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.

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