Bi-Courtney decries recurrent physical assaults on staff at airport

Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), has reiterated its zero tolerance policy against any form of violence within the terminal premises, particularly against personnel discharging their lawful duties.

A statement issued by Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi Head, Corporate Communications Department, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, stated that on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at approximately 13:18hrs, a disturbance broke out at the check-in counter of one of the airlines operating from MMA2.

Yinka-Olawuyi said the disruption stemmed from passenger agitation over issues reportedly linked to a system error. While efforts were being made to calm the situation and facilitate a smooth resolution, an Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer on duty was physically assaulted by a male passenger.

“This regrettable incident mirrors a similar occurrence in December 2024, where another staff member was also assaulted while on duty. BASL strongly condemns these acts and emphasizes that violence against any staff member or service provider at MMA2 will not be condoned under any circumstances.

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“The matter was immediately escalated, and the offending passenger has since been handed over to the police for further investigation and necessary legal action. BASL will continue to follow up on the case to ensure justice is served.

“We are deeply concerned by the recurrence of such attacks on our personnel and will not hesitate to take decisive action to protect all individuals who work at MMA2,” she said.

She stressed that all passengers and terminal users are expected to resolve grievances through lawful and respectful means. Our staff are here to assist and must be treated with dignity.

“BASL remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and secure environment for all terminal users and will continue working closely with the appropriate authorities to enforce its zero-tolerance stance on violence,” she added.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.