FAAN reacts after man claimed he was detained for filming inside MMIA

The Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria FAAN has reacted to the trending story of a man who claimed he was detained by security agents at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport MMIA Abuja for using his camera at the airport.

The man with the handle @chupatric on X, had taken to his handle to relay his experience and ask if it is wrong to record videos inside the airport.

‘’@mikeachimugu01 Good morning sir, please I have a question. At MMIA was detained by AVSEC cos of my gopro which I use to document my travels on my YouTube page. I was taken to the office downstairs, showed them video on my gallery was personal shots, can’t we make personal video?”

In a statement released on X this morning February 21, FAAN said the man in question was recording a video within a restricted Security Screening area with a signage that clearly indicates that filming is not permitted in that area. They claim the officers politely asked the man to stop, especially as other travellers have the right not to be recorded without consent and such complaints are frequently raised.

The agency in its statement said when the passenger declined to comply, he was invited to the Crime Investigation & Intelligence (CII) Unit office for further clarification and was not detained. They said that the interaction focused on guidance around acceptable camera use within the airport environment. 

They said the passenger thereafter deleted the recording, provided a written undertaking, and continued his journey.

‘’We want to reassure everyone that personal selfie videos are not restricted. Intervention only occurs when filming involves other passengers without consent or captures sensitive operational or security areas. These measures are in place to protect privacy, safety, and smooth airport operations.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a secure and comfortable travel environment for all. ‘’