Security Breach at Abuja Airport as Policemen Fire Shots Near VIPs, Diplomats

A major security incident occurred at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, when policemen allegedly on unauthorized duty opened fire in the private jet wing of the facility. The wing, frequented by business executives, diplomats, and politicians, became the scene of chaos on October 17, 2024, as gunshots rang out, causing alarm among passengers and staff.

Eyewitnesses reported that the policemen, identified as being from Iddo Police Station in Abuja, were not in uniform. They were reportedly led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Dauda and Assistant Superintendent of Police Usaini. The officers were said to be making arrests when the situation escalated.

“At around 10 pm, gunshots erupted, and we initially thought it was an armed robbery. The men weren’t in uniform, which heightened the fear,” a worker at the airport recounted. “They began firing sporadically when some individuals resisted arrest. This happened just as diplomats were arriving and VIPs were preparing to board private jets. It was a huge embarrassment.”

Another airport employee criticized the actions of the Iddo Police officers, accusing them of overstepping their jurisdiction. “These officers are notorious for harassing airport staff and making illegal arrests. Their jurisdiction is over 5 kilometers from the airport, yet they invade the facility regularly,” the employee said. “Their activities are often about extortion rather than legitimate law enforcement.”

Repeated attempts to contact Solomon Majit, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Iddo Police Station, for comments on the airport incident were unsuccessful.

This development follows a series of complaints about the activities of Iddo Police officers in the Bassa area of the Federal Capital Territory. On December 22, reports emerged of over 20 Nigerians being illegally arrested by the same station’s officers during a purported security raid. Victims described being forcibly taken from their homes and schools, handcuffed, and treated like criminals.

One individual detailed how officers demanded N50,000 in bail money per detainee, resulting in over a million naira in alleged extortion. “I was outside my house when a bus stopped, and officers forced me inside. They slapped me when I asked why I was being arrested,” the victim shared.

In another troubling incident during the raid, a police officer reportedly lost a service rifle, further raising questions about the professionalism and accountability of the Iddo Police team. DPO Solomon Majit, while confirming the recovery of the firearm, denied that the raids were illegal. “We were conducting operations due to the security situation in the FCT,” he explained.