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By Chinelo Obogo
Bi–Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), Ikeja Lagos, has warn against fraudulent activities around the airport terminal, stating that anyone caught in the act will certainly be made to face the consequences of their actions.
Its Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Oluwatosin Onalaja, said that sophisticated surveillance systems and other security measures are put on 24 hours guard to detect and deter any acts of criminalities at the MMA2 terminal. According to him, this warning had become necessary because of security and safety exigency, with reference to events within the MMA2 terminal, which otherwise would have created panic, had it not been nipped in the bud.
Onalaja said part of the recent success story of BASL’s security surveillance system and its Aviation Security (AVSEC) team, is about the detection and arrest of a fraudulent passenger that claimed to have lost his luggage and made aggressive demands for compensation until he was exposed.
He said after arriving on an Ibom Air flight from Abuja, the passenger raised an alarm that his checked-in luggage was missing, not declaring that he had removed the baggage tag to try to beat the system. Due to his persistence, the airline requested a review of the CCTV footage of that day from BASL to ascertain what really happened.
“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 convicted with an option of a fine,” Onalaja said.
BASL’s Head of Aviation Security, Monica Oguta, also stated that the safety and security of air travelers and other stakeholders is the priority and therefore, they have committed vast resources towards the maintenance of modern security surveillance systems, assuring all passengers of a safe and peaceful experience at the terminal.
Her words: “To those with criminal intentions, I strongly advise against attempting any illegal activities at the MMA2 terminal. 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 passengers, stakeholders and staff at our terminal.”
