Airfield Lighting Equipment Stolen at Nigeria’s Busiest Airport, Sparking Security Concerns
Recently, the airfield lighting systems at Murtala Muhammad Airport’s domestic runway 18/36L were reportedly stolen, raising concerns about security at Nigeria’s busiest airports.
According to an anonymous source, the culprits took advantage of the runway’s closure, which lasted for more than three months. The source alleged that some FAAN workers collaborated with external individuals to steal the airport’s lighting equipment.
This criminal act occurred during the runway closure when the theft was made possible. While unable to provide an exact estimate, the source confirmed that almost all of the lighting had been removed. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, personally witnessed the extensive damage and subsequent suspensions of numerous FAAN officials, the source revealed.
Following the incident, several department heads within FAAN were suspended on the orders of Dr Emmanuel Meribole. Furthermore, investigations have been launched to identify those responsible for the theft of the safety equipment.