By MOHAMMED DANBABA
A fresh aviation security controversy has erupted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following allegations that a Nigerian Navy officer, Lieutenant Adam Muhammad Yerima, bypassed mandatory airport screening and attempted to board a commercial flight while carrying a pistol.
Lieutenant Yerima, who is widely known for a past public confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, reportedly gained access to the boarding terminal through the restricted military wing of the airport, thereby avoiding standard civilian security checks.
The incident, which occurred in late January 2026, has reignited concerns over unequal enforcement of aviation safety rules and the growing tension between airline operators and security agencies in Nigeria.
How the Incident Unfolded at Abuja Airport
Multiple sources familiar with the matter told reporters that Lieutenant Yerima arrived at the airport to board a ValueJet Airlines flight. Instead of passing through the designated civilian screening area, he allegedly entered the terminal through the military wing, a route reserved for specific operational purposes.
By using this access point, the officer reportedly skipped routine passenger screening procedures, including metal detection and baggage checks required under Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulations.
According to the sources, Yerima proceeded toward the aircraft while armed with a pistol—an item strictly prohibited on commercial flights unless formally declared and processed through approved security channels.
Airline security personnel reportedly detected the breach before boarding commenced and immediately stopped the officer from entering the aircraft.
ValueJet Insists on Compliance With Aviation Rules
ValueJet officials insisted that the officer comply with civil aviation regulations applicable to all passengers, including uniformed personnel traveling in a civilian capacity. Under NCAA rules, firearms must be declared, documented, and handled through strict protocols, regardless of the carrier or the passenger’s status.
Sources said the intervention initially led to resistance, with the officer allegedly accusing the airline of “disrespect” for preventing him from boarding with the weapon.
However, after further engagement, Lieutenant Yerima reportedly submitted to due process, underwent proper screening, and completed the required declaration procedures. He was later allowed to board the flight in line with aviation safety standards.
Military Letter Demands Apology From Airline
Despite the matter being resolved at the terminal, the incident reportedly escalated afterward. Sources disclosed that the Nigerian military sent an official letter to ValueJet Airlines, accusing the carrier of disrespecting a serving officer.
The letter allegedly demanded a formal apology from the airline for stopping Lieutenant Yerima from boarding the aircraft with his pistol.
This development has drawn sharp criticism from aviation stakeholders, who argue that enforcing safety regulations should not be interpreted as an insult or act of insubordination.
Recurring Pattern of Airport Security Breaches
Industry insiders say the Naval officer Yerima airport security breach is not an isolated case. According to senior airline officials, similar incidents occur frequently at major airports across Nigeria.
A ValueJet official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, said military personnel often resist standard boarding procedures and sometimes intimidate airline staff when asked to comply.
“This is not new. Many uniformed personnel refuse to subject themselves to boarding protocols and often threaten airline officials who insist on compliance,” the source said.
The official also acknowledged that airlines are sometimes complicit, revealing that some carriers have previously used protocol officers to collect boarding passes on behalf of military personnel to avoid confrontation.
FAAN Under Scrutiny Over Enforcement Failures
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has also come under renewed scrutiny following the incident. Multiple sources alleged that complaints submitted to FAAN regarding similar breaches often receive no response.
In some cases, FAAN is accused of siding with military officers rather than enforcing aviation safety rules.
A recent incident at the Port Harcourt International Airport reportedly followed a similar pattern. Airline staff who reported military personnel for violating boarding protocols were allegedly reprimanded, while the officers involved faced no disciplinary action.
Aviation Experts Warn of Serious Safety Risks
Aviation security experts warn that allowing any category of passengers to bypass screening undermines the entire aviation safety framework.
Under NCAA regulations, all passengers must undergo screening, and restricted items such as firearms must follow strict declaration, storage, and handling procedures—even when carried by authorized personnel traveling on commercial flights.
Experts stress that uniform enforcement of these rules is critical to passenger safety, crew protection, and the integrity of Nigeria’s aviation system.
“Once exceptions become normalised, the system collapses,” an aviation security analyst said. “Every breach creates a vulnerability that could be exploited with catastrophic consequences.”
Growing Calls for Institutional Reform
Despite repeated incidents and growing concerns from airline operators and safety experts, there has been no public record of disciplinary action against offending officers or comprehensive reforms to address the issue.
Stakeholders are now calling on the NCAA, FAAN, and the Nigerian military to clarify operational boundaries, reinforce compliance, and ensure that aviation safety rules apply equally to all passengers without exception.
As the debate continues, the Naval officer Yerima airport security breach has once again highlighted the fragile balance between authority, privilege, and public safety within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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