An aviation security consultant has urged the Federal Government to step up monitoring of private airstrips and airports across Nigeria, following a controversial incident involving a private jet that landed on an uncompleted road in Ogwashi-Uku, Asaba, Delta State.
Details of the Incident
According to records from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft involved is owned by Best Aircraft Deals LCC, an American company based in Salt Lake City, United States. The aircraft is operated in Nigeria by VMO Aero Limited. Manufactured in 1988 by Canadair Ltd with serial number 5021, the Bombardier Challenger CL-601 business jet currently bears the registration number N989BC.
A source close to the aircraft company disclosed that both the captain and co-pilot were American citizens at the time of the incident. The jet landed on a roadway and later departed without regulatory clearance, prompting multiple investigations by aviation regulators, security agencies, and accident investigators.
Call for Comprehensive Investigation
Aviation security consultant Olufemi Adeniji, in an interview with The Guardian, called for a thorough security investigation involving all individuals connected to the flight. He emphasized the need for the Federal Government to increase vigilance on private airports and airstrips, particularly given the current high level of insecurity in the country.
Adeniji questioned how a fixed-wing aircraft could land on a public road, discharge passengers, and then take off without immediate intervention from security agencies. He warned that if the aircraft had crashed during the unauthorized landing or departure, it could have endangered lives and property in surrounding communities.
Tags: Airports monitoring, FAA, Olufemi Adeniji
