Passenger Thwarts Alleged Smuggling Plot at Lagos Airport, Video Goes Viral
A tense situation unfolded at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, recently when a traveler discovered a staff member of a flight service company, Pathfinder, allegedly attempting to plant illicit drugs in his luggage.
A now-viral video capturing the encounter shows the traveler confronting the Pathfinder employee, demanding an explanation for the hidden package. The official kneels in the video, apologizing for his actions.
Reports indicate the traveler discovered the suspicious activity and alerted a popular blog, Sabiradio, before raising an alarm at the airport. The viral footage depicts other airport personnel questioning the flight service employee
Facing a slap from the incensed traveler, the official reportedly explained someone paid him to smuggle the drugs out of Nigeria. According to Sabi Radio, the traveler exclaimed in a mix of English and Pidgin, “This must be their usual scam, but they met their match today! Imagine my life being ruined on NDLEA reports for drug smuggling because of their tricks!”
An online user, @Gidi_Traffic, shared additional insight on Twitter, claiming sources indicated corrupt NDLEA officers often collaborate in such schemes, waiting to apprehend and falsely accuse unsuspecting travelers. They highlighted the potential for luggage theft, kidnapping, and even passenger harm in extreme cases
Responding to the viral video, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) clarified that the apprehended individual is not an FAAN employee but belongs to an aviation services company operating within the airport. FAAN confirmed the suspect’s arrest and handover to security officials for further investigation.
Similarly, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) spokesperson clarified that the individual is not FAAN staff but an official with the Pathfinder flight service company. He explained their modus operandi of assisting passengers deliver packages without disclosing their contents. However, the vigilant traveler refused to accept the unknown parcel, leading to the incident.
Both the suspected package and the individual are currently under NDLEA custody. Initial tests reveal one substance as Tramadol, a controlled medication, while the other is a supplement. The NDLEA confirmed numerous similar arrests in the past.
