FAAN assigns 120 armed special personnel to five airports

Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the MD/CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has assigned 120 members of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) Special Force at international airports throughout the nation.

In an effort to strengthen security at the country’s borders, the Special Force has received firearms training.

Kuku, who spoke at the commissioning of 30 of the personnel at the international wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos, said it was a remarkable moment for the agency as it takes constructive steps to get Nigeria aviation security team kitted in line with the global standards.

According to the FAAN MD: “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. So again, as I mentioned, it’s remarkable for us, we’re 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.

“They’re quite professional, as you can see, and they will continue to engage as well as work closely with other security agencies.”

Kuku allayed fears of the security team deploying their arms for use as excessive force in the course of their duty, cautioning passengers and airport users to go about their businesses in an orderly manner.

She stressed: “The arms they carry today show that they are now an elite squad that will complement the aviation security staff that we have.”

Speaking on the facilities where the personnel will be deployed, the FAAN Chief Executive said: “We are starting with the five international airports. That’s Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu. There is a similar exercise going on. We do have about 120 people who have been trained. It is a recurring training program. In Lagos, I believe we have about 30 of them.

“As mentioned, the special squad role will be to critically work with all of the other security agencies. This is very important. And I say it’s a significant milestone. You can see them,they’re gallant, they’re kitted, they’re ready to protect, and they’re ready to serve.”

She expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo and the National Security Adviser, for their support in achieving this noble objective.