The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified that passengers are allowed to record personal selfie videos at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, but warned that filming other travellers without their consent or recording in restricted security zones is prohibited and may attract official intervention.

The clarification was issued on Saturday following an incident in which a passenger was stopped while filming within a security screening area designated as a no-recording zone.

In a statement, FAAN welcomed public interest in the matter but explained that its action was necessary because the recording occurred in a sensitive section of the airport with clear signage prohibiting video capture.

The authority stated that airport officials politely asked the passenger to stop filming, noting that other travellers have a right to privacy and that complaints about unauthorised recordings are regularly received.

According to FAAN, the situation escalated when the passenger declined to comply with the directive.

The agency added that the individual was subsequently invited to the airport’s Crime Investigation and Intelligence Unit for clarification, stressing that he was not detained.

FAAN explained that the engagement was purely advisory, intended to educate the passenger on acceptable camera use within airport premises.

The passenger later acknowledged the breach, deleted the recorded footage, provided a written undertaking, and was allowed to continue his journey.

Reassuring the public, FAAN reiterated that personal selfie recordings remain permissible within airport terminals. However, it emphasised that intervention becomes necessary when filming captures other passengers without consent or involves operational and security-sensitive areas.

The clarification followed claims by social media content creator Nonstop Patrick, popularly known as @chupatric on X, who alleged that Aviation Security personnel stopped him while filming with a GoPro camera for his YouTube channel.

FAAN urged all airport users to adhere strictly to established regulations, noting that the guidelines are intended to protect privacy, enhance security, and ensure smooth airport operations.