- One of the arrested individuals is an ex-convict, previously jailed for 28 days for a similar cable theft offense
- Two suspects were caught in the act of digging and cutting electric cables between the International and Domestic Terminals at the airport
- The third suspect, acting as a middleman, was arrested at the Hajj & Cargo Terminal based on confessions made by the other two suspects
The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced the arrest of three individuals suspected of being cable thieves near its Training School. The arrest was carried out by a combined patrol team consisting of officers from Aviation Security’s Crime Investigation and Intelligence (CII) Unit, and the Joint Military Task Force (JMTF).
Among the apprehended suspects is an ex-convict, who had previously served 28 days in jail for a similar cable theft offense.
In a statement released on Friday, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, disclosed that two of the suspects were caught in the act at approximately 0352hours on Friday. They were found digging and cutting electric cables connecting the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Powerhouse (International Wing, MMA) to the Domestic Terminal (MMA).
Following the confessions made by the two arrested individuals, the third suspect, who acted as a link between them and potential buyers at Arena Market, Oshodi, was apprehended at the Hajj & Cargo Terminal at precisely 0556hours.
Yakubu-Funtua emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and it has been discovered that one of the suspects had already been convicted and sentenced to 28 days imprisonment for a similar offense in April 2022.
“The suspects are presently being interrogated by officials of FAAN AVSEC after which they will be handed over to the Police for prosecution.
“FAAN…Committed to her core values – Safety! Security !! Comfort!!!”
Earlier this month, thieves stole airfield lighting systems at the MMA runway.
It had been reported that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria had launched an investigation into the theft of the airfield lighting systems at the airport.
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