The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has said it arrested 14 suspected vandals at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 1, Lagos, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in safeguarding critical aviation infrastructure.
This was made known through a statement made available to The by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Henry Agbebire, on Tuesday.
The understands that President Bola Tinubu had recently approved N712bn for the refurbishment of the terminal, which is now under attack by vandals.
The authority, in its statement, disclosed that the suspects were apprehended at about 7:00 pm on Monday, following what it termed a “swift, intelligence-driven operation” carried out in collaboration with the Joint Military Task Force and other security agencies within the airport.
According to FAAN, the suspects allegedly gained access to the Terminal 1 construction site by impersonating authorised construction personnel, and security operatives quickly detected the move.
FAAN stated that the attempt to vandalise critical infrastructure was effectively foiled through surveillance and rapid intervention by its personnel and partners.
“The suspects were apprehended at about 7:00 pm on April 20, 2026, following a swift and intelligence-driven response by FAAN’s security architecture, working in close coordination with the Joint Military Task Force and other security agencies deployed at the airport.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects unlawfully gained access to the Terminal 1 construction site by impersonating authorised construction personnel, an attempt that was effectively foiled through the vigilance, surveillance, and rapid intervention of FAAN security operatives and their partners,” the statement stated.
The agency further said the suspects were intercepted with already vandalised materials, including copper wires and iron components removed from the site.
The gathered that the suspects had been handed over to the police at the airport at the time of filing this report.
FAAN said, “They were intercepted with vandalised materials, including copper wires and iron components, which had been illicitly removed from the construction site. They were promptly apprehended and secured.
“All suspects and recovered exhibits have been handed over to the appropriate investigative authorities for further action. This successful operation underscores FAAN’s robust and proactive security framework, as well as the high level of coordination among security stakeholders within the airport environment,” the authority said.
“It also reflects the Authority’s zero-tolerance stance on any form of criminal activity targeting critical aviation infrastructure. FAAN remains resolute in its mandate to protect all airport assets and ensure the safety and integrity of ongoing development projects nationwide.
“Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities within and around airport vicinities to security agencies,” FAAN said.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Police Airport Command, Mohammed Adeola, confirmed that, prior to the arrest, there had been reports of missing items from the facility.
He said, “Prior to the arrest, project managers overseeing the renovation works had reported persistent cases of missing building materials within the Terminal 1 axis.
“This prompted intensified surveillance and patrol operations around the area. On the evening of the incident, credible intelligence revealed the presence of unauthorised individuals within the restricted construction zone, necessitating immediate intervention by security operatives.”
Meanwhile, the police added that the suspects have been arraigned before a magistrate’s court in Lagos.