Security operatives at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos have arrested three unruly passengers aboard an Air Peace flight from London after they engaged in disruptive behaviour that posed a threat to the safety of the flight, its passengers, and crew members.
The disturbance began when two passengers, despite holding economy class tickets, attempted to sit in the business class section. Efforts by the flight crew to address the issue quietly proved unsuccessful as the passengers forcibly entered the area without permission.
According to a witness, the situation escalated when the passengers threatened to cause chaos, which caused distress among fellow passengers. Additionally, they were seen consuming alcohol that they had illegally brought onboard, further intensifying the disruption.
On Thursday, Air Peace spokesperson Ejike Ndiulo provided an update, confirming that the aircraft captain temporarily left the cockpit to assess the situation before returning as a precaution.
The flight crew had already notified Nigerian security agencies before landing, ensuring that law enforcement was prepared to apprehend the disruptive passengers upon arrival.
“The flight crew recognized the potential threat and alerted security agencies in Nigeria ahead of landing. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers were waiting to take the individuals into custody for further investigation,” Ndiulo stated. “We are grateful to report that no crew members were injured during the incident; the altercations were limited to verbal exchanges.”
The airline spokesperson reiterated Air Peace’s zero-tolerance policy for any disruptive behavior. “At Air Peace, the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of aviation security,” he added.
Ndiulo also commended the professionalism of the flight crew in managing the situation swiftly and effectively.
Attempts to reach the Director of Aviation Security, Igbafe Afegbai, for further comment on the incident were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
