Robbers invade Lagos airport, kill two policemen

Culled from Punch:

Heavily armed robbers on Wednesday night invaded the International Wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos, killed two policemen and made away with a huge amount of foreign currencies from some bureau-de-change operators at nation’s premier gateway, officials said.

The dare devil robbers, who arrived the airport some few minutes to nine, headed for the BDC operators centre near the car park and started shooting sporadically, eyewitnesses said.

The robbers, numbering over 10, were said to have been engaged in a gun duel for about 30 minutes by policemen attached to the airport.

Deal Lord! the insecurity in this country! see more after the cut...


The gunfight, it was learnt, resulted in the death of two policemen and one armed robber, who was said to have tied local magical bands all over his arms and body.

As at a few minutes past 9pm, the two dead policemen were being conveyed in a van to the mortuary, according to eyewitnesses.

The Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Mr. Bayo Ajileye, could not be reached for comments. His telephone line was switched off when our correspondent made a call.

However, the General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr. Yakubu Dati, confirmed the robbery.

He, however, said he could only confirm the death of one of the robbers. He said the level of casualties was being ascertained.

He added, “The situation has since been brought under control by the swift intervention of joint security force. They were apparently attempting to rob a bureau de change operator near the airport. Normal operations and flight have not been affected by the incident.”

The event has exposed the porous security network of the nation’s flagship airport.

 Last year, robbers came to the airport and made away with millions of dollars from BDC operators.

An eyewitness said the robbers came into the airport through the car park.