The Airport Police Command has taken a 14-year-old boy into custody after he was caught trying to stow away beneath an aircraft at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Mohammed Adeola, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, explaining that the minor was discovered on the airport tarmac attempting to enter a restricted area without authorisation.
He described the act as a serious violation of aviation security protocols in a highly sensitive operational environment.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the juvenile’s actions were consistent with a stowaway attempt, a move that could have endangered both the boy and flight operations.
“Upon interception, the minor was taken into protective custody in line with due process and established child protection procedures,” Adeola said.
He added that the boy’s parents were immediately informed and that all protocols were followed, including conducting interviews in their presence.
The spokesperson noted that the command ensured the minor received adequate care, support, and welfare considerations throughout the process.
He also highlighted that the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Mrs Olufunke Ogunbode, emphasized the importance of safeguarding aviation infrastructure.
“Ogunbode described the airport as a critical national asset that requires strict compliance with security rules. The CP urged parents and guardians to be more vigilant over their children, particularly regarding movements around restricted and high-risk environments such as airports,” he said.
Adeola concluded that the case would follow the applicable juvenile justice procedures, with the minor appearing before the relevant juvenile court.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring safety, security, and order within the aviation sector while protecting the rights and welfare of all individuals, especially minors.
