A passenger caught with stolen items on an Air Peace flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt has been arrested and blacklisted by the airline.

In a statement on Thursday, the airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Ejike Ndiulo, confirmed that the suspect was found in possession of the missing items after a thorough search upon arrival at Port Harcourt International Airport.

Ndiulo said the passenger was immediately handed over to airport police for further investigation and necessary action.

“We confirm an incident of in-flight theft onboard Flight P47190 on February 19, 2025. The airline reiterates its unwavering commitment to passenger safety and security and has taken decisive action in response to the situation,” the statement read.

The airline expressed concern over the increasing cases of in-flight theft in recent weeks and announced measures to curb the trend.

“Air Peace is deeply concerned by the rising trend of in-flight thefts observed in recent weeks. To tackle this menace, the airline is implementing enhanced surveillance measures on its flights,” the statement added.

As part of these measures, cabin crew members have been instructed to intensify vigilance throughout flights, while in-flight announcements will be increased to educate passengers on securing their belongings and reporting suspicious activities.

Additionally, Air Peace has recommended the blacklisting of the suspect as part of its zero-tolerance policy for misconduct that threatens passenger safety and comfort.

“The airline is taking a firm stance against such criminal acts by recommending the blacklisting of the identified suspect, reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy for any misconduct that compromises the safety and comfort of passengers,” the statement added.

Air Peace reassured the public of its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure travel experience, urging passengers to adhere to security protocols.

“Air Peace remains committed to delivering a safe, secure, and world-class travel experience for all passengers. The airline urges the public to cooperate with security measures and report any suspicious behaviour to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey for everyone,” Ndiulo stated.