An air traffic controller (ATC) who spoke to New Telegraph under condition of anonymity disclosed that an Arik aircraft landed at the Lagos International Airport runway from Abuja and on the taxi-way was advised by the tower to hold. While holding, the captain noticed a caution light suggesting the rear cargo holddoor was opened.
Sensing danger, the captain was said to have added power, thereafter, the cargo hold-door was closed. He said the captain immediately alerted the Control Tower of the situation amid the absence of the Follow-Me or escort vehicle which, it was learnt, was not provided for the aircraft as it is done for all aircraft cleared to the threshold preparatory for take-off.
It is, however, not clear if the same escort service is given to arriving airplanes. “The control tower was informed of what happened to Arik Air last week Thursday. The Arik aircraft landed at the Runway 18/R or what people refer to as the Murtala Muhammed International Airport runway.
While taxiing, the captain was instructed to hold for another approaching aircraft. “While holding, the captain noticed a caution light suggesting that the aircraft rear cargo door was opened. The captain alerted the control tower of the presence of people near the aircraft. It was a situation that posed a serious threat to the aircraft.
“The report of the incident is with us and has been passed to the respective authority to discourage the presence of unauthorized persons in sensitive areas of the airport,” the source added. There have been many reported cases of robbery of aircraft cargo by thieves, especially at the Lagos airport. Most of the time, some unidentified persons find their way “miraculously” to the holding areas, open the cargohold of an arriving or departing jet to steal luggage.
It was so common with private jets, but over time they became emboldened by extending their action to bigger commercial aircraft. In 2018, Air Peace cried out, alleging that suspected burglars opened cargo hold of Air Peace Flight 7138 taxiing for departure on Runway 18R (A1) of the Lagos Airport.
