Air Peace Buses Impoundment: Police Investigate Lagos Airport Runway Blockage

The Nigeria Police Force has taken custody of three buses belonging to Air Peace, following allegations that the vehicles obstructed the runway at the Lagos airport during an industrial action staged by aviation unions on Tuesday. According to the Police Airport Command spokesperson, ASP Muhammed Adeola, the buses are currently being held as part of an investigation into the incident. Adeola stated that the police are working to identify the drivers who allegedly drove the buses onto the runway, causing disruptions to aircraft movement. The investigation aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and hold those responsible accountable. The industrial action, which was targeted at Air Peace, was called by the unions over claims that the airline was the largest debtor to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority in respect of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge. The unions had previously issued warnings to the airline, threatening to picket it if it failed to remit the charge. Aviation security expert, Group Capt John Ojikutu (retd), criticized the NCAA and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria for allowing the buses to access the airside and disrupt aircraft movement. Ojikutu emphasized that access to the airside is subject to strict security procedures, and any vehicle authorized to enter the area must be equipped with a radio and obtain clearance from the control tower. The incident has raised concerns about airport security and the need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.