Ilorin — Security operatives at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport on Tuesday intercepted a suspected stowaway who attempted to cling to the tyres of an aircraft preparing for departure.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed that the man, identified as Segun Martins, illegally gained access to the foot of an Overland Airways plane as it was about to taxi for takeoff.

According to NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu, vigilant ground staff spotted Martins trying to conceal himself between the aircraft’s tyres. He was swiftly apprehended and handed over to the Airport Police for investigation.

Achimugu, in a statement posted on X, explained: “At approximately 1502 hours, a male, identified as Segun Martins, gained unauthorized access to the foot of an Overland aircraft that was about to 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.”

Investigators revealed that Martins believed the aircraft was bound for the United States and had planned to escape by hiding in the wheel compartment.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about airport security and the risks associated with stowaway attempts, which often end in tragedy due to extreme conditions in aircraft wheel wells.

Authorities say further inquiries are ongoing to determine how Martins breached restricted areas of the airport.