Airport authorities have defended the actions of Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel involved in the now-viral confrontation with a passenger identified as Progress Oberiko at Osubi Airport in Okpe, Delta State, insisting that the manual search of her luggage followed standard aviation security procedures.
The incident, which occurred on July 22 while Oberiko was preparing to board a United Nigeria Airlines flight to Abuja, generated widespread reactions after she shared her experience on Facebook, describing it as “the worst airport experience” of her life.
In her post, Oberiko alleged that security officials subjected her checked baggage to an intrusive manual search, attempted to stop her from travelling with sealed canned food and perfumes without citing any regulation, and created an atmosphere that encouraged extortion.
The allegations prompted the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to launch an investigation. FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, directed an immediate probe to establish the facts and determine whether airport personnel complied with operational and professional standards.
However, airport officials have rejected claims of misconduct, maintaining that the additional baggage inspection was triggered after X-ray screening identified items that required further examination in line with international aviation security procedures.
According to officials familiar with the incident, Oberiko initially declined to disclose the contents of her checked baggage and allegedly resisted repeated requests to open the luggage, delaying the screening process before eventually complying.
They also claimed she became confrontational during the inspection and began recording the encounter despite explanations from security personnel on why the manual search was necessary.
Officials further stated that the inspection uncovered six tins of evaporated milk and two tins of sardines, which they said were not properly packaged for transportation in checked baggage.
They stressed that the items were not prohibited but required better packaging before they could be accepted for carriage.
According to the officials, United Nigeria Airlines personnel advised that the quantity of canned items and the size of the luggage required more secure packaging to meet transportation requirements.
The officials also alleged that Oberiko climbed onto the X-ray screening machine during the disagreement and refused to come down until persuaded by her sister, while the canned items were eventually removed from the luggage and handed to her mother.
They maintained that manual baggage inspections are a globally accepted security practice whenever X-ray images are inconclusive and are intended solely to ensure passenger safety and regulatory compliance.
Some airport sources also speculated that the incident may have been staged to generate social media engagement, noting that Oberiko identifies herself on Facebook as a content creator. However, there is no independent evidence to support that claim, and no official agency has suggested the incident was orchestrated.
Meanwhile, FAAN said its investigation remains ongoing to unravel the veracity of the passenger and Osubi Airport management claims.
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, the authority reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, safety, security and customer service across airports under its management.
FAAN assured the public that every complaint would be thoroughly investigated, stressing that transparency, accountability and continuous improvement remain central to its operations.
Before the officials’ response, Oberiko had called on FAAN and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to investigate what she described as intimidation, unnecessary intrusion and possible extortion by airport security personnel.
She alleged that the incident delayed her journey, damaged her luggage and left her traumatised.
Oberiko also claimed members of her family had experienced similar treatment at the airport in the past, including alleged demands for money before being allowed to travel with items initially declared prohibited.
She urged aviation regulators to review the conduct of the officers involved and strengthen safeguards against abuse during manual baggage inspections.
The controversy comes despite Osubi Airport’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s safest airports, having earned recognition for its Safety Management System, including the Nigeria Aviation Awards (NIGAV) Best Safety Management System Award.
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