The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has outlined the proper procedures for managing passenger-related disruptions at airports, following public reactions to a viral altercation between two travellers on a United Nigeria Airlines flight at Asaba Airport, Delta State.

The incident occurred on November 17, when social media personalities Mr Jollof and VeryDarkMan were recorded exchanging punches aboard an aircraft, prompting alarm among other passengers.

United Nigeria Airlines confirmed the disturbance, stating that both individuals were immediately deboarded to safeguard the safety, comfort, and security of all passengers and crew.

The airline added that the two men were later handed over to airport security for further investigation.

Reacting to the incident, Michael Achimugu, director of public affairs and consumer protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), reiterated the regulator’s zero-tolerance stance on unruly behaviour aboard aircraft. He said both individuals would face the full weight of the law.

In a statement on Wednesday, FAAN’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, Henry Agbebire, outlined the distinct responsibilities of airlines, aviation security personnel, and the NCAA in handling passenger-related incidents.

Agbebire noted that FAAN’s mandate includes providing AVSEC, rescue, and firefighting services at federal, state, and privately operated airports.

According to the statement, AVSEC officers serve as the airport’s internal security force, responsible for maintaining order and safeguarding passengers, staff, and critical infrastructure.

He added that when a disturbance occurs on board an aircraft or during the boarding process, it is the airline’s primary responsibility to address the situation.

“This may include deboarding passengers whose behaviour threatens safety or disrupts operations. Once passengers are removed from the aircraft, the matter then transitions to airport-level procedures,” the statement reads.

Agbebire explained that under Nigeria’s civil aviation security standards, AVSEC officers are mandated to receive disruptive passengers handed over by the airline, conduct preliminary profiling or assessments, maintain order across the terminal and airside, and transfer such individuals to the police or other relevant law-enforcement agencies for further action.