By Erewunmi Peace

A man identified as Segun Martins has been arrested at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin, Kwara State, after attempting to stow away on an aircraft he believed was travelling to the United States.

The incident occurred on Tuesday when airport security personnel spotted the suspect near the landing-gear area of an Overland Airways aircraft preparing for departure. According to officials, Segun illegally accessed the restricted airside section of the airport and attempted to hide between the aircraft’s tyres.

Upon interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that he believed the aircraft was “bound for the USA” and intended to escape the country by hiding on the plane. Authorities, however, confirmed that the aircraft was operating a domestic flight, not an international route.

Airport security operatives quickly apprehended Segun before the aircraft commenced taxiing. The suspect has since been handed over to the police for further investigation.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned that stowaway attempts pose extreme danger, as individuals hiding in landing-gear compartments are exposed to freezing temperatures, lack of oxygen, and the risk of falling from the aircraft.

Authorities have since heightened security around critical areas of the airport to prevent similar incidents.