A suspected stowaway, Segun Martins, was apprehended at General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, on Wednesday after trying to hide in the tyre compartment of an Overland aircraft preparing for takeoff.

The incident occurred around 3:02 p.m. when Martins gained unauthorized access to the airside and crawled toward the aircraft. Sources say he believed the plane was heading to the United States and attempted to escape by concealing himself in the aircraft tyres.

Airport police responded quickly and took Martins into custody. He is currently assisting the Kwara State Police Command with their investigation.

Michael Achimugu, spokesperson for the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), confirmed the incident on his verified X account, explaining that ground security personnel intercepted the suspect before he could hide fully. Martins was immediately handed over to the Airport Police Command for further inquiries.

The NCAA statement read, “At approximately 1502 hours, a male, identified as Segun Martins, gained unauthorized access to the foot of an Overland aircraft about to taxi for takeoff and attempted to conceal himself between the aircraft tyres. Ground security apprehended the individual and handed him over to the Airport Police for further investigation.”

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.