Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed that the passenger who raised a false bomb alarm on board Air Peace flight P47121 from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to Lagos, this morning, has been arrested and is undergoing security and medical assessments.
The passenger, name withheld, was according to FAAN arrested shortly after the aircraft landed at the airport and taken away by security agencies and medical experts for assessment.
FAAN said when the information was received, its aviation security personnel swiftly evacuated passengers, crew and cargo on board the flight and a bomb squad immediately conducted a thorough check on the aircraft and baggage, which confirmed the information to be false.
Aftermath of due diligence test carried out on the aircraft, a fresh boarding call was made and passengers boarded the flight took-off to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
FAAN has assured passengers and all airport users that its airports are safe and secure even as implored airport users to carry on their lawful activities without any fear.
Confirming the incident, Air Peace in a statement issued by the Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah said the operating crew acted professionally and took the decision to return as a precaution.
Iwarah attributed the false information to an intending passenger who was denied boarding after the crew suspected that he might be mentally challenged.
“We confirm that Air Peace Flight P4 7121, Abuja-Lagos on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 returned to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja after the crew received information that there was a dangerous item on board.
“In line with procedures and our high safety standards, the captain-in-command acted professionally, briefed passengers on board and took the decision to return as a precaution. The aircraft landed in Abuja without any incident and passengers disembarked normally to enable security personnel conduct a check.
“Passengers on board the flight were screened a second time and the aircraft thoroughly checked. At the end of the exercise, the information was found to be a hoax as nothing was found on the aircraft. The aircraft was subsequently cleared to depart for Lagos and safely landed at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos at about 11.44 a.m.
“The passenger who gave the information has since been taken into custody by security operatives for exhaustive investigation into the incident.
“We commend our valued customers on board the flight for their calm and cooperation while the checks lasted. The safety, security and wellbeing of our customers and crew will continue to be our priority at all times,” Air Peace said.
