FAAN issues restraining order against unauthorised access to MMIA Runway

In a decisive move aimed at curbing the alarming increase in unauthorised access to the airside of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), through the Airport Commandant, Group Captain ED Okolo, has issued a restraining order against individuals attempting to breach the perimeter fence and gain entry onto the airport’s runway.

In the restraining order signed by Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the Authority said the directive comes in the wake of multiple incidents of perimeter breaches, including the recent theft of runway lighting, posing significant safety and security risks to the airport’s operations.

FAAN explained that such actions not only compromise the integrity of the airport’s security system but also result in considerable financial losses as damaged or stolen infrastructure must be replaced.

With this order, the Authority has appealed to the public to refrain from illegal incursions into the airport premises through the perimeter fence, emphasising that such encroachments are strictly prohibited, and perpetrators may face prosecution or even get shot.

In a stern warning, FAAN reiterated its commitment to dismantling any unauthorised structures around the airport perimeter while urging individuals without legitimate business at the airport to stay away, adding that those found engaging in unauthorised activities or loitering within the airport vicinity will face arrest and prosecution.

FAAN noted that in its bid to bolster security measures, the Joint Military Task Force (JMTF) has intensified its operations, resulting in several recent arrests of offenders. 

The Authority also reminded airport users to utilise designated parking areas to avoid disruptions, as parking in drop-off zones may lead to vehicles being towed.

FAAN reiterated its commitment to safety and security of travellers by taking decisive action to curb unauthorised access at the MMIA, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding critical infrastructure and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The restraining order: “NOTIFICATION ORDER TO “RESTRAIN” PERSONS ENCROACHING INTO MMIA THROUGH THE PERIMETER FENCE 

“There has been incessant incursion into the airside of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, as a result, the  Military  Airport  Commandant ,  Group Captain  ED Okolo has issued  a ” A RESTRAINING ORDER ” against  anyone  caught  trying  to  gain  access into the runway  of the airport  through the  perimeter fence.

“It has been  observed  that  there is an increased  rate of incursion into the airside, through the perimeter fence, with far-reaching  consequences.

“Furthemore, theft of Runway  lighting occurred not too long ago. All these occurances undermine the safety  and security  of the airport .

“This  practice does not only undermine the security of the system but also imposes a huge financial burden on the Authority as damaged or stolen  critical facilities must be replaced. 

“The Federal  Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, is therefore  appealing  to the general public to please  desist from illegal  incursion  into the airport  environment through the perimeter  fence.  

Perimeter  encroachment  is highly prohibited, and criminal  offenders risk prosecution  or possibly  being  shot at. 

Every unauthorised or illegal  structure  around  the airports would  be pulled  down. Be advised.  

“The Authority  is also appealing  to those who do not have any business  at the airport  to stay away.  Anyone  caught touting  or loitering  at the airport  vicinity  will be arrested  and prosecuted.  

The Joint Military Task Force ( JMTF) has  intensified  their operations  and made several arrests recently.  

“Airport  users  are also advised  to park at designated  car parks. 

Please  avoid  parking at drop-off zones to avoid being towed. 

Nigerians deserve good  service, and  we are committed to serving you better at FAAN.”

Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.