An intense standoff erupted on Thursday at the NAHCO Shed of the Hajj/Cargo Terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, as personnel from the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) clashed in a dramatic power struggle. The altercation, fueled by deep-seated jurisdictional disputes, escalated into an armed confrontation that left airport operations on edge for hours.
SaharaReporters exclusively gathered that the conflict began around 2:30 p.m. when FAAN’s Director of Aviation Security Services, Afegbai Albert Igbafe, was overseeing the installation of Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) machines at the Ajantako Terminal. However, the situation spiraled out of control when overzealous Customs officers, allegedly angered by what they claimed was a lack of prior notification, took drastic action—locking Igbafe inside a shed.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Igbafe immediately called for backup. Within minutes, an armed FAAN security unit arrived, demanding his release. Not to be outdone, Customs operatives summoned reinforcements from their Ikeja barracks, setting the stage for a volatile armed standoff that left onlookers in shock.
Tensions hit a boiling point as Customs officers reportedly asserted control over the airport, a claim FAAN officials vehemently rejected.
“The Nigerian Customs Service is merely a security agency; the airport and its operations are managed and controlled by FAAN,” a FAAN official stated.
The confrontation underscored a long-running power struggle between the two agencies, with FAAN accusing Customs of routinely flouting aviation protocols. Another source decried Customs’ disregard for established procedures, warning that such high-handedness not only disrupts operational efficiency but also jeopardizes safety at one of Nigeria’s busiest airports.
The standoff took an even darker turn when Customs officers allegedly attacked FAAN personnel who were recording the incident on their mobile phones. Witnesses described the assault as brutal and unprovoked, painting a picture of impunity by Customs operatives.
“This isn’t the first time,” a FAAN official lamented. “Customs has a history of bypassing security measures and bullying FAAN staff. This latest episode is just another example of their unchecked arrogance.”
This latest skirmish is part of a troubling pattern of conflicts between the two agencies.
January 2022: FAAN and Customs clashed on Twitter after Customs operatives forcefully gained access to a restricted area at the airport.
February 2020: SaharaReporters exclusively exposed how top Customs officials bypassed security protocols to smuggle cash through the tarmac, mere weeks after the NCS had seized $8.06 million stashed in six bags at the same airport.
2015: Customs officers attempted to forcefully access the airport tarmac without proper accreditation, assaulting a FAAN security officer in the process—ironically, just as International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) officials were inspecting the airport.
In the wake of the standoff, the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), which owns the shed where the incident took place, claimed they were not informed about the ETD machine installation. This aligned with Customs’ stance, further complicating an already chaotic situation.
“The lack of proper communication only adds fuel to the fire,” a source noted. “But does that justify Customs’ actions? Absolutely not.”
Beyond the immediate confrontation, experts warn that these recurring clashes expose a deeper crisis—one that threatens Nigeria’s aviation security. The blatant disregard for established procedures and inter-agency turf wars are creating loopholes that could be exploited by criminal elements, putting both passengers and airport staff at risk.
With tensions between FAAN and Customs reaching new heights, urgent intervention is needed to restore order and ensure that the nation’s busiest airport does not become a battleground for power struggles.
PIONEER NEWS 