24th August, 2013
Simon Ateba/Aviation correspondent
A teenage boy who beat security personnel at the Benin Airport to hide inside an Arik plane has been arrested in Lagos, southwest Nigeria.
Arik Air said it was shocked and saddened over lapses at Nigerian airports.
“We are worried by the incessant security lapses at our airports. We are appealing to the management of FAAN to immediately address the problem,” said Christ Ndulue, Arik Air’s Managing Director.
The airline’s spokesperson, Banji Ola said: “The management of Arik Air has expressed shock over the incident wondering how the teenager beat the Aviation Security personnel at the Benin Airport to get to the runway.”
In a statement Arik said it alerted authorities at Benin Airport of the presence of a boy on the runway.
“The pilot of Arik Air flight W3 544, departing Benin Airport for Lagos at 9.00am today 24th August, 2013 reported to the control tower the presence of a strange boy in the bush about 200 – 300 meters at the end of runway 23.
“The control tower told the Captain that they were sending security men to the place to arrest the boy.
“On arrival at the domestic wing of MMA, Lagos, a teenage boy, who apparently had sneaked into the aircraft main wheel well jumped out and was arrested by Arik personnel and handed over to FAAN security,” Arik said.