The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has debunked a report by an online news site that the Nigerian Air Force invaded the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Thursday, harassing people inside the airport.
According to a report by Sahara Reporters, the NAF personnel, fully armed, stormed the terminal building, harassing passengers.
It stated that an Air Force Commander led his team to the terminal building, all bearing assault rifles despite the written warning that weapons are not allowed in that part of the airport.
In the report, Sahara Reporters quoted a source which disclosed that the military men invaded the place in anger because their commanders were invited to Abuja over recent viral videos depicting the rot and extortion at the airport.
Reacting, General Manager, Corporate Affair of FAAN, Henrietta Yakubu in statement the NAF personnel didn’t invade the airport, but were on official assignment in collaboration with other security agencies in the airport.
“What took place was a routine Security operation by a Joint Aviation Security Task Force comprising personnel from Aviation Security (Avsec), Department of Security Services (DSS) and Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to rid the airport of touts and miscreants, in accordance with Standards and Recommended Practices,” she stated.