Police at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos yesterday intercepted a 14-year-old boy identified as Eke Miracle in connection with a stowaway attempt. The minor was reportedly discovered on the airport tarmac while attempting to unlawfully gain access beneath an aircraft, an act which constitutes a serious breach of aviation security protocols within a highly sensitive operational environment.

Preliminary findings indicate that the juvenile unlawfully entered a restricted area of the airport without authorisation, contrary to Sections 2 and 3 of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) byelaws, and engaged in actions consistent with a stowaway attempt. Upon interception, the minor was taken into protective custody in line with due process and established child protection procedures.

His parents were promptly notified, and all necessary protocols were observed, including the conduct of the interview process in the presence of his parents. Police also ensured that the minor was provided with appropriate care, support, and welfare considerations throughout the process. The Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, Ogunbode Olufunke, expressed the force’s resolve to safeguard aviation infrastructure, describing the airport as a critical national asset that requires strict adherence to security regulations at all times.

While emphasizing that due process will be strictly followed, Ogunbode urged parents and guardians to exercise greater vigilance over their children and wards, particularly in relation to movements around restricted and high-risk environments such as airports.

According to him, the case will be handled in accordance with applicable juvenile justice procedures, and the minor will be charged before the appropriate juvenile court. He said: “The Airport Police Command remains steadfast in its resolve to maintain safety, security, and order within the aviation ecosystem, while upholding the rights and welfare of all individuals, particularly minors.”