Ime Akpan
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said that it will collaborate with the aviation security personnel of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other relevant agencies to strengthen security at the nation’s airports.
NCAA said in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Sam Adurogboye that the move is meant to forestall recurrence of security breach that took at the Murtala Mohammed Airport recently.
“After a review of the preliminary report submitted by FAAN to the Authority and further investigation by NCAA, FAAN has been advised to provide additional security patrol vehicles at the air side.
“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant agencies will continue to work together towards ensuring adequate security at all the nation’s airports,” said Adurogboye.
It would be recalled that on Friday, July 19, FAAN security personnel apprehended a Nigerien national identified as Usman Adamu who gained access to Azman Air aircraft waiting for clearance from the air traffic controllers at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport.
Consequently FAAN said will work with relevant stakeholders and the regulatory agencies towards ensuring safe operations at Nigerian airports.
It announced steps to be taken to ward off air side infiltration by unauthorised persons.
These include the award of contracts for perimeter fence at the airport, including detection devices and CCTV cameras with infrared capacity for night operations.
It also announced plans to erect observation towers this year to enable proper monitor and coverage of the airport.
“FAAN has a security patrol/escort team in place for arriving and departing aircraft but another joint patrol team involving FAAN aviation security, the police and the military has also been constituted to assist in protecting the sanctity of our airside and ensuring the security of live operations and the travelling public using our facilities,” said FAAN’s managing director, Capt. Hamisu Yadudu.
