Metro

Cable thief electrocuted inside FAAN powerhouse at Lagos airport

The saying that every day is for the thief and one day is for the owner has just played out at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, where a middle-aged man who attempted to steal electrical cables and other equipment inside the powerhouse of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been electrocuted.

The man, whose identity could not be ascertained presently, was said to have found his way into the power-generating house and had begun disconnecting the installations that supply power to the Lagos airport before he met his Waterloo.

Confirming the incident, the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, declared on Monday that FAAN will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all loopholes that will allow unauthorised persons into the airports are blocked.

Speaking at the commissioning of 30 Special Forces that will man the Lagos airport in search for criminals, Kuku revealed how questionable people had in the past crossed the perimeter fences of the airports and stolen airfield lighting equipment, or potentially even harmed some of the workers on site.

According to the MD, “I would say that there are two sides to this: that our environment is quite unique in the sense that we do have some security issues nationwide, and we’ve been quite lucky within the airport environments that we haven’t had any of those major incidents. We do have, you know, individual issues.

“So across the airside, you’ve seen where we have people who are either crossing our fence, or, of course, either trying to steal our airfield lighting equipment, or potentially even harm some of the individuals that we have on-site. We had an incident where an individual actually went into our powerhouse and got electrocuted.”

While stating how FAAN has had and looked forward to the unveiling of the security apparatus in the last six months, she added that there’s been conversation about funding and the aviation security staff being armed. According to her, a lot of investment has gone into this, from the armoury to the training of the personnel to getting the arms as well as the ammunition.

Speaking on the newly commissioned security personnel, Kuku remarked, “What I want to say is that you have been specially selected to be part of this unit.

“This is a special unit. Hopefully, there won’t be any need to use your arms, but rather to leverage this as a deterrent.

“But what is critical is that we want you to work very closely with the other security agencies at the airport. This is an environment that we want to keep safe and secure.

“You’ve probably seen a lot of the news about some of the illicit behaviours that are happening at airports. There have also been all sorts of activities that we also need to put some pressure on.

“But what I would say is, I’m happy to have you on board. I’m happy that within FAAN, we now have this select unit. And we can’t wait to see how you perform on your duties and your tasks.”

“As you know, the Honourable Minister, as well as the National Security Adviser, and of course, Mr. President, sent their very warm regards.

“They’re extremely excited and delighted that you’re joining an elite squad today. I just want to let you know that we are fully behind you. All of the security agencies are working very closely together.

“You are also aware that we’ve launched a major war against corruption, against touting, and against illicit activities at all of our terminals nationwide.

“Today, we’re collaborating with all the security agencies, especially with the Air Force as the intelligence unit of the Air Force, as well as the police and civil defence.

“Today marks a remarkable day in our journey, and we expect you to make us proud. We’re counting on you, and rest assured that you also have our support.”

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