The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched a new aviation security (AVSEC) special force consisting of 120 officers to secure assets and lives at Nigerian airports.
The initiative, announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is part of broader efforts to tackle touting and other illegal activities around the airports.
Keyamo, through a statement on X, highlighted the importance of this move in enhancing airport security: “As part of the steps we earlier promised Nigerians to take to curb the menace of touting and other illegal activities around our airports, earlier today the Managing Director of FAAN, on my behalf, unveiled the armed Aviation Security (AVSEC) unit at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
We will replicate it at other international airports. They have the mandate to arrest and prosecute touts and other suspected criminals around our airports.”
The AVSEC officers will be deployed across international airports nationwide, starting with 30 personnel at MMIA’s international wing. Olubunmi Kuku, FAAN’s Managing Director, described the inauguration as a significant milestone, stating, “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.”
Kuku emphasized that the new security team would adhere to global standards of professionalism and assured the public that the officers would not misuse their weapons. She encouraged passengers and airport users to conduct their business in an orderly manner and highlighted the goal of deterrence over the use of force.
Initially, the special force will be deployed at the five major international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu. The personnel have undergone extensive training to ensure their readiness and effectiveness in their new roles.
Kuku expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Minister Festus Keyamo, and the National Security Adviser for their support.
She also mentioned that FAAN is working closely with other security agencies to ensure comprehensive security measures at the airports. The next phase involves continuous training and coordination to maintain high standards of conduct and effectiveness in airport security operations.
