Fresh concerns are mounting over the conduct of Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel as a string of controversial incidents continues to raise questions about professionalism, accountability and passenger safety at Nigerian airports.
The latest incident unfolded at Osubi Airport in Delta State, where a female passenger clashed with Aviation Security officers during baggage screening. A video of the confrontation, which has since gone viral on social media, shows the traveller repeatedly urging security officials to act professionally while they manually searched her luggage.
The dispute reportedly began after AVSEC officers prevented the passenger from boarding with canned milk and fish products, claiming the items could leak during the flight and pose a safety risk. The passenger rejected the explanation, insisting the products were securely sealed in metal containers and noting that she had travelled with the same items from Abuja to Osubi without any objections. Tension escalated when an officer asked her to stop recording the encounter, a request she refused as other passengers gathered around.
The viral footage has reignited criticism of inconsistent security procedures across Nigerian airports. Many travellers accused airport officials of applying different rules at different terminals, creating confusion and leaving passengers vulnerable to arbitrary decisions. Although the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) quickly announced an investigation into the incident, similar probes in the past have rarely produced publicly disclosed outcomes.
The controversy comes amid a series of high-profile cases involving airport security personnel. In March, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) announced plans to prosecute five security officials accused of accepting bribes from former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to interfere with a lawful security operation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The officials were drawn from multiple agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Immigration Service and FAAN’s Aviation Security Department.
Just three months later, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Aviation Security officer Inspector Ali Baffa at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport over allegations that he attempted to smuggle 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars valued at more than ₦4.4 billion out of the country. According to the anti-graft agency, the officer allegedly concealed the gold inside his clothing before attempting to hand it over to international travellers.
Frequent flyers say such incidents have eroded public confidence in airport security. Passenger Atinuke Ogunrounbi said one of the biggest frustrations among travellers is the inconsistent enforcement of aviation regulations. She explained that items cleared at one airport are often rejected at another, creating uncertainty and, in some cases, opportunities for extortion by dishonest officials.
Responding to the Osubi Airport incident, FAAN said its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, had ordered an immediate investigation. In a statement signed by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, FAAN pledged that any officer found guilty of violating operational procedures or professional standards would face appropriate disciplinary action. The authority also reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety, professionalism and accountability.
Despite those assurances, aviation experts argue that repeated promises are no longer enough. Retired Group Captain John Ojukutu called for comprehensive reforms, including stricter oversight, continuous retraining of Aviation Security personnel, improved screening standards and greater transparency in disciplinary processes. Stakeholders say restoring public trust will depend not only on investigations but also on making the outcomes public and holding erring officers accountable.
