TheCable

Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos Terminal Two (MMA2), says it will punish persons found engaging in fraudulent and illegal activities within the air transport facility.

BASL, in a statement on Wednesday, warned against fraudulent and deceptive intentions, theft and other unlawful activities anywhere around the airport terminal.

Speaking on behalf of the company, Oluwatosin Onalaja, BASL’s head of corporate communications, said anyone caught in the act “will certainly be made to face the consequences of their actions”.

Onalaja said sophisticated surveillance systems and other security measures have been “put on 24-hour guard to detect and deter any acts of criminalities at the MMA2 terminal”.

“This warning had become necessary because of security and safety exigency, with reference to the event within the MMA2 terminal, which otherwise would have created panic, had it not been nibbed in the bud,” he said.

HOW BASL ARRESTED A ‘FRAUDULENT’ TRAVELLER

BASL’s aviation security (AvSec) team had recently arrested a fraudulent passenger who claimed to have lost his luggage and made aggressive demands for compensation “until he was exposed”.

The passenger, after arriving on an Ibom Air flight from Abuja, was said to have raised alarm that his checked-in luggage was missing.

Due to his persistence, according to the statement, the airline requested a review of the CCTV footage of that day from BASL for investigation.

Recounting details of the event, Onalaja said: “From the CCTV footage, it was discovered that his alleged missing bag was actually his checked-in bag. The footage showed him picking up the bag from the conveyor belt with a bag tag on it and taking it to the restroom where he removed the checked-in tag from the bag.”

“He then went straight to the Ibom Air counter where he raised the false alarm.

“When it was established that there was no missing bag, the case was reported to MMA2’s aviation security and police. He maintained his innocence until he was confronted with the CCTV footage, at which point he broke down and confessed to the crime.

“He was charged to court where he pleaded guilty, showed remorse for his actions and promised not to repeat them again. He was [however] convicted with an option of a fine.”

Also speaking on rising criminal acts at the airport terminal, Monica Oguta, BASL’s head of aviation security, advised passengers against illegal activities.

She said the safety and security of air travellers and other stakeholders was the priority of BASL, hence, the company has committed vast resources towards the maintenance of modern security surveillance systems.

“To those with criminal intentions, I strongly advise against attempting any illegal activities at the MMA2 terminal,” Oguta said.

“We have a highly trained security team, advanced technology, and a zero-tolerance policy for criminal behaviour. We will take swift and decisive action to ensure the safety and security of our travellers, stakeholders, and staff at our terminal.”

She also assured all travellers of a safe and peaceful experience at the terminal.