Tight security around MMIA  as counter-terrorism squad screens vehicles 

There was  an unusual   security  surveillance  on all  roads leading  in and out of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos yesterday  with   counter terrorism  policemen subjecting  vehicles to screening.

The operation caused  a massive traffic jam   on the Oshodi/Ajao Estate Road leading to the international wing of the airport and  on  Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, leading into the domestic section.

The securitymen took their time to search  all vehicles on the road to ensure they were not carrying  explosives or other  dangerous devices.

Many commuters had to disembark from the vehicles carrying them to their destinations.

They had to complete their journeys by foot.

Meanwhile, there was a  lull in activities at the domestic wing of the airport  as  only a few passengers  turned up  for flights  to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Calabar and other destinations.

In a related development , passengers have continued to lament over the rising incidence of luggage pilferage at the international wing of the Lagos Airport.

Scores of passengers   alleged  that their belongings were tampered with by unknown people at the airport.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), yesterday  said the security measure was in public interest.

The General Manager (Corporate Communications) of the FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, said: “The Federal Government, in its determination to ensure hitch-free holidays, has put all these measures in place at strategic locations, including airports, all over the country to forestall any form of security breach during this period.

“We consider this a positive step designed to complement FAAN’s effort at ensuring maximum safety and security of lives and properties at all our airports.

“The authority, therefore, encourages all passengers to leave their homes early so that the delays caused by these security checks will not hamper their pre-boarding formalities at the airport, especially in view of the expected increase in passenger movements, both on local and international flights during this festive period.”