The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has confirmed the deportation of a French national who caused major disruptions at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following a series of unruly behaviours that raised safety and security concerns.
The incident, which began on Wednesday, saw the unidentified individual deboarded from an Air France flight due to disruptive conduct that posed a risk to fellow passengers.
Lacking a valid Nigerian visa, the individual was denied entry into Abuja and temporarily housed at an airport hotel.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, disclosed on Friday that the passenger was sedated and deported to Paris on Thursday night.
“Examined by a doctor and placed on a sedative, the unruly French national has finally boarded an Air France flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport,” Achimugu said.
“I was physically present to witness his boarding at 10pm tonight, along with Miriam Anosike, the terminal head, and officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service, who played a pivotal role in handling this case.”
Achimugu commended the collaboration between the NCAA, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Air France, emphasizing their efforts to ensure the passenger’s safe removal.
He revealed that the airline had been advised to provide cabin crew with sedatives during the flight in case the passenger exhibited further erratic behavior.
The French national’s erratic actions began aboard an Air France flight, which led to his removal at the Abuja airport.
His behavior continued to deteriorate, resulting in British Airways also refusing him boarding. An attempt to depart via Asky Airlines was unsuccessful as he failed to provide proof of payment for his ticket.
Witnesses reported that the individual littered the airport terminal and screamed incoherently about his passport.
“Immigration officials had quite a hectic time handling the erratic passenger,” Achimugu noted.
Miriam Anosike, NCAA’s Consumer Protection regional head, intervened firmly, reminding Air France of their obligation to repatriate the passenger they had brought to Nigeria.
The French Embassy and a doctor were also involved in addressing the diplomatic and health dimensions of the situation.
The case highlights the delicate balance between ensuring airport security and addressing diplomatic implications.
Achimugu stressed the importance of the swift actions taken by all stakeholders to mitigate the potential risks.
The NCAA reiterated its commitment to maintaining passenger safety and preserving Nigeria’s aviation reputation, urging airlines to manage disruptive passengers effectively.
The French national is now back in Paris, ending a two-day standoff that tested the resilience of Nigeria’s aviation and immigration systems.
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