The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), yesterday, confirmed the electrocution of a middle-aged man who attempted to steal electrical cables and other equipment from its powerhouse at Lagos airport.
The Guardian learnt that the man, whose identity could not be ascertained, found his way into the power generating building and began disconnecting the installations before he met his waterloo.
Confirming the incident, Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said the agency was leaving no stone unturned towards ensuring that all loopholes that allow unauthorised persons into the airports are blocked.
Kuku, who spoke at the commissioning of 30 Special Forces personnel to man the airport, asked them to work very closely with the other security agencies at the airport for the safety of the environment.
She noted that some people cross the perimeter fences of the airport to steal airfield lighting equipment or even harm workers on site to achieve their mission.
Kuku said FAAN had looked forward to unveiling the security apparatus in the last six months, adding that there had been conversations about funding and arming of aviation security staff. She said a lot of investment had gone into the initiative in training of personnel and getting arms and ammunition.
Addressing the newly commissioned personnel, she said: “What I want to say is that you have been specially selected to be part of this unit. This is a special unit. Hopefully, there won’t be any need to use your arms, except as deterrent. But what is critical is that we want you to work very closely with the other security agencies at the airport.
“This is an environment that we want to keep safe and secure. You’ve probably seen a lot of the news around some of the illicit behaviours that are happening at the airports. There have also been all sorts of activities that we also need to put some pressure on.
“But what I would say is, I’m happy to have you on board. I’m happy that within FAAN, we now have this select unit. And we can’t wait to see how you perform on your duties and your tasks.”
Kuku added: “You are also aware that we’ve launched a major war against corruption, against touting, against illicit activities at all of our terminals nationwide. Today, we’re collaborating with all the security agencies, especially the Air Force, the police and the Civil Defence. Today marks a remarkable day in our journey, and we expect you to make us proud. We’re counting on you, and be rest assured that you also have our support.”