FAAN enhances airport security with armed AVSEC special force

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commissioned 120 Aviation Security (AVSEC) Special Force officers to bolster security at airports across the country.

The agency, in a statement, affirmed that these officers have been trained to bear arms, marking a pivotal step towards aligning Nigeria’s aviation security with global standards.

At the commissioning ceremony held earlier today – Monday, June 24, 2024 – at the international wing of Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, FAAN’s Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, highlighted the importance of this initiative. 

She described it as a remarkable moment for the agency, emphasising the need for a well-equipped security team to protect the nation’s aviation assets, lives, and ensure the safety of airport users.

“This is for them to help us in terms of securing our assets, in terms of helping to secure lives, as well as the people within the aviation environment specifically at the airports. We are happy that we spent a significant amount of time in terms of training them, in terms of identifying the sorts of individuals that are part of this squad,” Mrs. Kuku stated.

Addressing concerns about the use of force, Mrs. Kuku assured that the armed personnel are highly professional and will work closely with other security agencies to maintain order without resorting to excessive force. 

“The arms they carry today show that they are now an elite squad that will complement the aviation security staff that we have. The focus is to make sure that they are helping us in terms of executing all of our desires, specifically around making sure that there are no illegal activities that go on,” she said.

The newly commissioned officers will be deployed across Nigeria’s five international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu. Mrs. Kuku noted that this deployment is part of an ongoing training program, with 30 officers currently assigned to Lagos. 

Mrs Kuku underscored the significance of this milestone, describing the officers as gallant, well-kitted, and ready to protect and serve.

Expressing gratitude for the support received from key stakeholders, Mrs. Kuku acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the National Security Adviser for their roles in achieving this objective.

“We are quite grateful for the support that we have received from the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, as well as from the National Security Adviser. And of course, the Office of the President, in getting us up to this point,” she said.

Looking ahead, Mrs. Kuku outlined the next phase of FAAN’s security enhancement strategy, focusing on coordination and anti-corruption campaigns. 

“The next phase for us is coordination. We started a number of campaigns over the weekend, largely around making sure that we say no to corruption at our airports. They’re here to make sure that we deter,” she said, stressing the need for orderly conduct within the airport community to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for passengers.

FAAN’s initiative to commission and arm the AVSEC Special Force marks a proactive step towards securing Nigeria’s aviation sector, enhancing safety measures, and fostering a secure environment for travelers and airport personnel alike.