The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched an investigation into a viral video showing a confrontation between a female passenger and Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel at Osubi Airport over the screening of checked-in luggage.
The video, which circulated widely on social media over the weekend, showed the unidentified passenger repeatedly urging security officials to “be professional” while her luggage was being manually searched.
During the screening process, AVSEC officers removed items including tins of milk and fish from the passenger’s luggage, stating that the items could not be allowed on the aircraft in line with aviation safety regulations.
The passenger, however, challenged the decision, arguing that she had travelled with the same items from Abuja to Osubi without any objection and questioned why they were being prohibited on her return journey.
In the footage, the security officials explained that the tins of milk could spill during the flight, but the passenger disagreed, insisting that the products were sealed in metal containers and not packaged in nylon, making leakage unlikely.
She also accused AVSEC personnel at the airport of being known for similar actions.
The disagreement escalated when a male AVSEC officer instructed the passenger to stop recording the incident, but she refused, leading to a continued exchange as other airport users watched.
Reacting to the incident, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, said the authority had commenced an investigation to establish the facts surrounding the encounter.
Agbebire said FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, had directed an immediate probe into the incident.
He reiterated the authority’s commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism, safety, security and customer service across all airports under its management.
FAAN said the outcome of the investigation would determine the next steps, adding that any breach of operational procedures or professional standards would attract appropriate administrative and disciplinary action in line with its regulations.
The statement read in part: “Should investigation breach any of FAAN’s operational procedures or professional standards, appropriate administrative and disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with the authority’s regulations.
“The authority appreciates the public’s interest and assures all airport users that every complaint is treated with the seriousness it deserves. FAAN remains committed to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement in the delivery of safe, secure and passenger-focused airport services.”
