Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured travellers and airport users that new measures are already being put in place to enhance security at the nation’s airports.
This was made known by Managing Director of the Authority, Captain Hamisu Yadudu at a press conference held at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano today, while addressing the media on yesterday’s unfortunate incursion incident at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
Yadudu noted that the violator, who is suspected to be a Nigerien has been identified as Mr. Usman Adamu and has been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further interrogations.
Stating that the FAAN takes full responsibility for the breach, the managing Director noted that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Transport has already assisted in the award of contracts for perimeter fences at the airports, including detection devices and CCTV cameras with infrared capacity for night operations.
He added that plans are also underway to erect observation towers this year, to enable proper monitor and coverage of the airport.
Yadudu noted that already, FAAN has a security patrol/escort team in place for arriving and departing aircraft but another joint patrol team involving FAAN AVSEC, 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.
As a dynamic industry, Capt Yadudu admitted that globally, new threats are springing up daily and the criminal elements are fashioning out ways to circumvent security architectures. He however added that it was up to FAAN to continuously improve on security and put adequate measures in place to mitigate the threats.
FAAN views this breach as a serious security concern and has commenced investigation to ascertain the remote and immediate causes of this incident to forestall future occurrence.
Meanwhile, a statement signed by the General Manager, Corporate Communications at FAAN, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu said FAAN has suspended indefinitely the Aviation Security unit heads who were on duty at the airport yesterday, when the incident occurred; The suspension is pending completion of ongoing investigation into the regrettable security infringement.
The affected officers are the Airport Chief of Security, Mamman Mohammed Sadiku, International Terminal Security Officer, Oni Adedamola Abiodun, Head of Department Domestic Terminal 2, Owotor Kenneth Okezie and Head of Department Domestic Terminal 1, Badejo Adebowale Ayodele.
In the interim, a General Manager of the Authority, Dr. Anne Enyinnaya-Egbadon, has been detailed to take charge of security at the airport. Other affected officers have also been replaced.
The current arrangement is aimed at ensuring an efficient and thorough investigation towards the recovery and sustenance of the airport’s proactive security integrity.
He noted that FAAN will continue to work with relevant stakeholders and the regulatory agencies towards ensuring safe operations at our airports.
