Nigeria: Stowaway caught clinging to aircraft tyres at Ilorin Airport

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

A man identified as Segun Martins was apprehended at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin, Kwara State, after attempting to hide on the undercarriage of an Overland aircraft that was about to taxi for take‑off. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed the incident, saying Martins had gained unauthorised access to the foot of the plane and tried to conceal himself between the aircraft’s tyres.

NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu said ground security staff spotted the suspect at about 15:02 hours and detained him immediately. He was then handed over to airport police for further investigation. In a statement posted on X, Achimugu quoted Martins as saying he believed the aircraft was bound for the United States and intended to escape by stowing away on the aircraft.

The authority said the incident is being investigated to determine how Martins breached security and whether any accomplices were involved. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft proceeded with its scheduled departure after the stowaway was removed.

The NCAA reminded the public that attempting to board an aircraft illegally is a serious offence and urged anyone with information about similar attempts to report it to airport security or the police.