Security personnel at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday apprehended a man identified as Segun Martins after he attempted to stow away on an aircraft, believing it was headed for the United States of America.
The incident was disclosed in a post on X by the Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu. According to him, the suspect gained unauthorised access to the airport’s operational area in an effort to escape the country.
Airport Security Thwarts Stowaway Attempt
Achimugu said, “At approximately 1502 hours, a male, identified as Segun Martins, gained unauthorized access to the foot of an Overland aircraft that was about taxi for takeoff and attempted to conceal himself between the aircraft tyres. Ground security apprehended the individual. He was immediately handed over to the Airport Police for further investigation.”
He added that Martins confessed he believed the aircraft was bound for the United States and attempted to hide between the tyres in a desperate bid to flee the country. Achimugu noted that investigations into the incident are currently ongoing.
A video shared alongside the post showed airport officials pulling Martins away from the aircraft.
The incident comes amid recent concerns raised by the Shipping Association of Nigeria, which reported persistent stowaway attempts. The association revealed that vessels recorded about 2,300 security infractions in 2025, highlighting a growing trend of desperate escape efforts.
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