Security Breach at Kano Airport: Intruder Found Inside Aircraft
A security incident occurred at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) on Thursday when a strange man was discovered inside an aircraft parked on the apron. The indigenous airline, which has not been named, had left the aircraft overnight for an early morning flight to Lagos' Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA). When the crew arrived, they found the man in the aircraft's toilet.
As of the latest updates, it remains unclear how the individual gained access to the aircraft, although sources indicate that Kano airport has a history of security breaches. Alarmingly, this incident marks the second time in six months that the same individual has reportedly accessed an aircraft at this airport.
Despite the presence of multiple security layers, including personnel from FAAN’s Aviation Security (AVSEC) and the airline’s own security team, the breach occurred. Upon discovering the man, the crew promptly notified AVSEC and the police anti-bomb squad, leading to a thorough search of the aircraft. Consequently, the Lagos-bound flight experienced a two-hour delay.
A source from the airline recounted the unsettling discovery, stating, “We have nightly stops in Kano, and upon arrival for the early flight to Lagos, the crew found a stranger sitting in the aircraft's toilet. How he managed to get past both FAAN security and our airline’s personnel remains a mystery.” Concerns about the security at Kano airport were echoed by another source, who noted that if a security threat were to arise, this airport would likely be the location due to its vulnerabilities. They described a chaotic boarding process and inadequate checks, indicating that AVSEC's procedures were insufficient. Another industry insider warned that ongoing security lapses would hinder Nigeria's ratings in the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) security audits.
Such incidents are reportedly documented and communicated to top civil aviation authorities, particularly when they involve international airlines. This is not the first security concern at the Kano airport; in 2019, a female passenger, Zainab Aliyu, was wrongfully detained in Saudi Arabia after drugs were found in her luggage at the same airport. She claimed the substances had been planted by unknown individuals. When approached for comment, Mrs. Obiagheli Orah, FAAN's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, stated she was unaware of the incident but would follow up after verifying the details. As of the latest update, no further information has been provided.
