A VistaJet Bombardier Challenger 605 (9H-VFA) arriving at Lagos, Nigeria, from Istanbul, Turkey, was robbed at about 9 p.m. local time on December 12, shortly after it landed on Runway 18R. As the aircraft was taxiing to customs and immigration at Lagos Murtala Muhammed Airport, the rear baggage door was apparently opened without the crew noticing. The culprit was not found.
“We await a formal report from the aviation agencies," Segun Demuren, CEO of EAN Aviation—one of three FBOs on the field at Lagos—told AIN. "EAN is unaware of any other incidents that have occurred at Murtala Muhammed Airport relating to private jets. We believe this is a one-off incident unrelated to any organized disruption. The EAN facility is not directly connected with the point of incidence. Our facility is well lit [and] well guarded 24/7 by two government-approved aviation security firms.”
According to a reports by African news outlet Sahara Reporters, “A source…confided in our correspondent that the pilot of the jet, Captain Emma Heering, discovered that the rear door of the aircraft was opened while taxiing. After an investigation, it was discovered that a big black bag belonging to the air hostess, Francesca Louis, was missing from the jet.”
Asked for comment by AIN, VistaJet stated, “In regard to the reported incident, we are sad to have seen one of our crew bags stolen. We have prompted the local airport to implement stronger safety measures at all times.”
The local newspaper reporter was also told that similar incidents had occurred before, bringing into question security at Lagos Airport. The agency responsible for overseeing security is the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). It reportedly has only one operational vehicle available to escort aircraft to the ramp.
Sources also told the news outlet that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) gave the airport a clean bill of health for its safety and security standards in September.