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Dead Stowaway: Fresh Facts Emerge On KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Flight Originating From Lagos

Published

2 years ago

April 22, 2023

Editor

…NCAA commences inquest

Fresh facts have emerged about how a dead stowaway was discovered in the nose wheel well of a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 777 (registered PH- BQM) originating from Lagos last Monday.

The development has raised serious concerns regarding airport security and how the man managed to climb into the aircraft at the airport apron, an area highly restricted.

However, Vanguard gathered that the aircraft which arrived from Toronto took off from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport for Schipol in Amsterdam.

A stowaway or clandestine traveller is a person who secretly boards a vehicle, such as a ship, or an aircraft amongst others.

It would be recalled that a similar incident happened in 2021 when border police found the body of a Nigerian man in the landing gear of a plane arriving at Schiphol Airport.

However, findings showed that the traveller might have died of hypothermia, a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature

According to a spokesperson from the Royal Dutch Marechaussee, “Sometimes they survive, but most of the time it goes wrong given the sharp drop in temperature. On longer flights, temperatures can go down to minus fifty degrees, impossible to survive.”

Following the development, the airline in a statement stated that the dead stowaway was discovered in the wheel well of the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 777 (registered PH-BQM on Monday, April 17th, 2023.

“This morning, a deceased stowaway was discovered in the wheel well of a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 777 (registered PH-BQM).

“The aircraft originated from Lagos, Nigeria. It’s currently unknown how and when the man was able to climb into the aircraft; an investigation has been launched.”

Preliminary report

Meanwhile, a preliminary report sighted by Vanguard showed that the Registration Number of the KLM Aircraft which operated into and out of Lagos on the night of Sunday, 16th April 2023 is confirmed to be the same PH-BQM according to operational records available at the Apron Control and AVSEC Aircraft Escort Units.

“The said KLM B777 aircraft landed on Runway 18L/36R at about 1951hrs of the said date and was escorted by AVSEC Escort Vehicle to the D34 Parking Bay at about 1957hrs.

“Once docked at the D34 AvioBridge/Parking Bay, KLM through its Security Service Provider, Messrs. PAJEDA Security, takes over the guarding of the Aircraft in accordance with the provisions of the Airport Security Programme. There were three PAJEDA Security operatives on duty at the KLM 587 parking area on the 16th April 2023,” the report stated.

On interrogation, one of the security operatives, Ibirinde Jamiu stated that he personally conducted the flight security checks at about 2208hrs using a ladder and flashlight during the flight’s ground operations without any adverse observation or report.

Available records show that KLM 587 with Registration Number PH-BQM departed MMA at about 2241hrs on Sunday, 16th April 2023.

The report noted that the Airport’s CCTV system is currently being interrogated to track the events of the almost 3-hours of ground operations of KLM PH-BQM at D34 Bay, in addition to other possible hypotheses. We are also working with KLM officials at the Airport to unravel the facts of the incident.

“A comprehensive report will be forwarded on further facts and findings made in the course of this investigation,” the report added.

NCAA commences inquest

In a bid to unravel the actual cause of the development, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commenced an inquest into the discovery.

This was disclosed by the General Manager, Public Relations Department, Sam Adurogboye.

He stated that the investigation aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“NCAA will enhance its oversight over service providers in a bid to prevent such occurrences in the future. The outcome of the investigation will guide the next line of action,” he said.

Before now, thousands of stowaways have travelled by sea or land over the last several centuries. Fewer people have attempted to stowaway on aircraft. Many stowaways have died during the attempt.
VANGUARD

Related Topics:#Lagos Dead Stowaway KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Flight

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Navy Opens Recruitment For Basic Training School Batch 38

Published

2 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Navy has opened applications for its Basic Training School (BTS) Batch 38 recruitment exercise, scheduled to run from October 2 to October 31, 2025.

According to an official statement, the recruitment process is free, and interested applicants must submit their applications online at https://www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng/https://www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng.

Successful candidates will undergo basic military training before being officially enlisted as Ordinary Seamen.

The Navy stressed that eligibility is restricted to Nigerian citizens by birth with a valid National Identification Number (NIN). Applicants must have no criminal record and must not be affiliated with secret societies, cults, or fraternities.

Educational and age requirements were clearly outlined. Candidates applying with O’level results must be between 18 and 22 years old as of December 31, 2025.

Those with OND/NCE qualifications must be aged 18 to 26, while Chaplain/Imam Assistants and Drivers/Mechanics must fall within the 18 to 28 age bracket.

In all cases, applicants are required to have at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB, with certificates not older than 2015.

The Navy added that special professions, such as Medical Assistants and Nurses, require proof of registration with relevant professional bodies.

Applicants for technical trades including tailoring, plumbing, carpentry, welding, and electrical works must present valid Trade Test certificates in addition to academic qualifications.

Similarly, candidates applying as sportsmen and women are expected to provide certificates and medals as evidence of their sporting achievements.

The recruitment examination is scheduled for November 29, 2025, at designated centers nationwide.

Candidates are required to bring their Attestation Form, duly signed with a passport photograph of the signer, along with valid identification such as a Driver’s License, International Passport, or National ID Card.

Applicants have been cautioned against multiple applications, which will lead to disqualification.

The Navy further advised candidates to seek clarification only through official communication channels provided on the recruitment portal.

News

BREAKING: Gov Fubara Dissolves Rivers Pension Board

Published

3 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dissolved the State Pensions Board with immediate effect.

Rivers State Head of Service Mrs Inyingi Brown made this announcement on Friday in Port Harcourt.

According to the governor, the office of the State Accountant General will handle the functions of the board until a new one is constituted.

News

FAAN Launches Cashless Payment System Across Airports

Published

4 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched the cashless system of payment across all airports.

“FAAN in partnership with Paystack, is proud to announce the roll out of OPERATION GO CASHLESS, a cashless contactless payment solution across all airports beginning with Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja,” the agency said in a communique on Thursday.

Effective September 29, 2025, all payments at FAAN’s revenue points, including airport Access Gates, Car Parks, FAAN VIP and Protocol Lounges will go cashless which means the agency will be phasing out the collection of cash at these points.

FAAN added that travelers and airport users will now enjoy fast and seamless services by using a secure contactless payment option.

This initiative, it stated, is a response to the growing demand for safe, modern, and transparent payment systems while ensuring Nigeria’s airports remain aligned with global digital trends.

By reducing reliance on cash, FAAN said it aims to enhance efficiency, improve revenue assurance, and deliver a better customer experience at our airports.

To ease the transition, trained brand ambassadors have been deployed at access gates and around the terminals to guide users, assist with onboarding, provide demonstrations, and answer questions they may have.

In addition, passengers have been directed to obtain a FAAN Go Cashless Card at any airport access gate in Lagos and Abuja.

After collection, users are encouraged to activate and fund their cards immediately by visiting www.gocashless. faan.gov.ng.

FAAN added that it remains committed to continuous improvement and will expand this cashless policy to other airports nationwide in phases.

For inquiries, airport users have also been advised to contact FAAN’s support line at 0700 CBS FAAN (0700 227 3226) or email the agency at gocashlesssupport@faan.gov.ng.