Customs’ claim that the airport is under their control contradicts FAAN’s mandate as the rightful authority overseeing airport security and operations. This misplaced sense of entitlement, reminiscent of a military-era mentality, continues to threaten the industry’s stability.

BY ANTHONY OMOH

A troubling pattern of aggression by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) operatives against Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel has resurfaced. This recurring issue threatens the delicate synergy at Nigeria’s international gateways. The latest incident, an assault on the Director of Aviation Security Services at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, has sparked outrage. Customs’ unchecked aggression persists, highlighting a culture of impunity among armed agencies at airports.

The situation worsened as the government armed FAAN AVSEC personnel. This decision, while aimed at enhancing security, has created a volatile environment. Multiple armed agencies now operate within the same space, increasing the risk of deadly confrontations.

The March 6 Incident: A Dangerous Standoff

On March 6, 2025, an altercation between FAAN officials and NCS officers at MMA escalated into an armed standoff. Director of Aviation Security, Afegbai Albert Igbafe, was supervising the installation of Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) machines. Despite proper identification, armed Customs officers locked him inside the shed, citing a lack of prior notification.

Igbafe summoned FAAN security personnel, prompting Customs to call reinforcements from their Ikeja barracks. The standoff lasted hours, with tensions escalating. Customs operatives reportedly declared, “This is Customs’ airport; we own it, and we can do and undo.” FAAN officials rejected this claim, highlighting jurisdictional tensions.

The incident underscores the dangers of having multiple armed agencies at airports. With both Customs and AVSEC now armed, the potential for deadly confrontations has increased significantly. The March 6 standoff could easily have turned into a full-blown shootout, endangering lives and disrupting operations at one of Nigeria’s busiest airports.

Customs’ Dismissive Response

In a press release, Assistant Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, described the incident as a “miscommunication.” The statement emphasized Customs’ commitment to inter-agency cooperation but failed to address the assault or apologize. This dismissive response has fueled criticism and mistrust.

The NCS’s refusal to take responsibility for the actions of its officers has further alienated other agencies and stakeholders in the aviation sector. This lack of accountability has become a recurring theme in Customs’ handling of such incidents, fueling resentment and mistrust among airport personnel.

A History of Impunity

The March 6 incident is not isolated. Customs officers have a history of clashes with AVSEC personnel, often resulting in violence. However, Customs is not the only armed paramilitary agency guilty of such misconduct. Other agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Department of State Services (DSS), have also been involved in similar incidents.

– January 20, 2022: Customs officers breached the Security Restricted Area at MMA, threatening AVSEC personnel.
– May 1, 2016: A senior Customs officer vandalized Arik Air property over a flight delay.
– May 2, 2016: A Customs officer brutally assaulted a FAAN staff member at the MMA Cargo Terminal.
– 2015: NIS officers attacked five AVSEC personnel for enforcing access protocols.

These incidents reveal a culture of impunity among armed agencies at airports. Customs’ unchecked aggression persists, seemingly as an entitlement, with no consequences for their actions.

Union Outcry and Demands

Aviation unions—ATSSSAN, NUATE, and ANAP—have condemned the attack. They issued a 14-day ultimatum for the redeployment of involved officers. The unions demand a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to define roles and prevent conflicts. They also call for a reduction in armed personnel at airports.

The unions argue that the current situation, where multiple armed agencies operate within the same space, is a recipe for disaster and must be addressed urgently.

Impact on Nigeria’s Global Security Rating

The recurring clashes between Customs and AVSEC personnel have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s global security rating. International aviation bodies, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), closely monitor security protocols at airports worldwide. Frequent skirmishes and breaches of security protocols at Nigerian airports could lead to a downgrade in the country’s security rating.

A lower security rating would have severe consequences for Nigeria’s aviation sector. It could result in increased scrutiny of Nigerian flights, higher insurance premiums, and restrictions on international routes. Additionally, it could deter foreign airlines from operating in Nigeria, further isolating the country from global aviation networks.

The March 6 incident, in particular, highlights the potential for catastrophic outcomes. The armed standoff between Customs and AVSEC personnel could have easily escalated into a violent confrontation, endangering lives and disrupting airport operations.

Such incidents undermine confidence in Nigeria’s ability to maintain security at its international gateways, further damaging the country’s reputation.

Aviation Security vs. Armed Agencies: A Misplaced Sense of Authority

The recurring clashes highlight a broader issue: the overreach of paramilitary agencies within civilian aviation spaces. Customs’ claim that the airport is under their control contradicts FAAN’s mandate as the rightful authority overseeing airport security and operations. This misplaced sense of entitlement, reminiscent of a military-era mentality, continues to threaten the industry’s stability.

The situation is further complicated by the government’s decision to arm FAAN AVSEC personnel. While this move was intended to enhance security, it has created a volatile environment where multiple armed agencies operate within the same space. The potential for deadly confrontations, as seen on March 6, is a clear indication that the current arrangement is unsustainable.

The Way Forward

To prevent future incidents, the federal government must act decisively:

Immediate Disciplinary Measures: Officers involved in the attack should face appropriate sanctions. This includes suspension, dismissal, and prosecution where necessary.

Reevaluation of Roles at Airports: A clear operational framework must be established to prevent undue interference with aviation security. The government should clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each agency operating within airport environments.

Enforcement of Inter-Agency Cooperation: A legally binding MoU should define the limits of each agency’s jurisdiction within airport environments. This will help prevent conflicts and ensure smooth operations.

Public Accountability: Armed agencies must publicly acknowledge misconduct and commit to respecting aviation security protocols. This includes issuing formal apologies to affected personnel and the public.

Reduction of Armed Personnel: The government should reconsider the decision to arm FAAN AVSEC personnel. The presence of multiple armed agencies within the same space is a recipe for disaster and must be addressed urgently.

Conclusion

The persistent aggression by Customs and other armed agencies against AVSEC personnel is a national security concern that must be addressed urgently. The March 6 incident highlights the urgent need for accountability. The government must restore order before another crisis erupts.

The impact of these skirmishes on Nigeria’s global security rating cannot be overstated. Frequent breaches of security protocols and armed confrontations at airports undermine confidence in Nigeria’s ability to maintain safety and security. This could lead to a downgrade in the country’s security rating, with severe consequences for the aviation sector and the economy as a whole.

Customs’ unchecked aggression persists, and it is time for the government to take decisive action to end this culture of impunity.

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