- Officials of FAAN conspired with outsiders to steal the lightning, a source said
- The source said investigation has begun to uncovered those behind the incident
The recently reinstalled airfield lighting systems at the domestic runway 18/36L of Murtala Muhammad Airport have been stolen by unknown persons.
It’s gathered that the incident had ruffled feathers and raised security concerns in Nigeria’s busiest airports.
A source said those who carried out the act were working in cahoots with some officials of FAAN, adding that practically all the lighting was stolen.
The source, who spoke in confidence, said those who stole the lighting systems capitalised on the closure of the runway for over three months.
“The criminal took advantage of the closure to commit the crime. I cannot give the actual worth of the theft, but almost all the lighting was removed. The permanent secretary came around to see for himself the huge damage done. A lot of FAAN officials have been suspended,” Punch quoted the source confirmed.
It’s also gathered that some heads of relevant departments at FAAN have been suspended over the missing lighting equipment on the directives of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Dr Emmanuel Meribole.
The source also disclosed that investigations had since commenced to unravel those responsible for the missing safety equipment.
The frequent invasion and stealing of safety components at the airports are carried out by a syndicate, consisting of some workers of the agencies, who have access to the restricted areas and accomplices from outside, the source asserted
A top official with FAAN, who did not want his name in print, said the agency’s Managing Director, Mr Kabir Yusuf, was displeased with the development.
He stated that FAAN MD had also ordered the suspension of security personnel who were in charge of guarding critical airport facilities.