The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has opened an investigation into a viral altercation between Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and a female passenger at Osubi Airport, Warri, following public concern over the handling of the luggage screening process.
The incident, which circulated widely on social media, showed the passenger challenging security officials after they questioned the carriage of tins of milk, canned fish and other food items in her checked luggage. Throughout the exchange, the passenger repeatedly urged the officers to “be professional,” insisting she had travelled with the same items from Abuja to Osubi without any objections and questioned why they were being disallowed on her return journey.
According to the video, AVSEC personnel maintained that the items could not be transported in line with aviation safety requirements, arguing that the tins could spill during the flight. The passenger, however, rejected the explanation, noting that the products were sealed in metal containers and not packaged in a manner that could easily leak. She also alleged that similar incidents involving passengers had become common at the airport.
The confrontation intensified when one of the security officers instructed the passenger to stop recording the interaction, a request she declined as the disagreement continued in the presence of other airport users.
Responding to the incident, FAAN, in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, said the Authority was treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves.
The statement said the Managing Director and Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, had directed an immediate investigation to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.
FAAN reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, aviation safety, security and customer service across all airports under its management, stressing that the findings of the investigation would determine any further action.
According to the Authority, if the investigation establishes any breach of its operational procedures or professional standards, appropriate administrative and disciplinary measures will be taken in accordance with its regulations.
FAAN also assured the travelling public that every complaint is thoroughly investigated and reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and the continuous improvement of safe, secure and passenger-focused airport services in line with international best practices.
