The Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, says Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will soon be licensed to carry arms at airports across the country in order to complement other agencies in the combat against security threats.
Sen. Sirika, who made this known in Katsina at the 2018 AVSEC retreat, says discussion was at its final stage for approval for AVSEC personnel to bear arms, saying it will further strengthen the integrity of the airports in view of the growing threats to the aviation industry.
According to the minister who was represented by the Rector, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria, Capt. Mohammed Abdulsalami, aviation security is imperative in the light of the nation’s growing and expanding aviation industry, stressing that sustained safety in the country’s airports is important in retaining investors’ and passengers’ confidence.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Engr. Saleh Dunoma, who also spoke at the event, explains that the agency has successfully recruited and trained over 230 AVSEC officers, adding that the management and the Minister are poised to equip the AVSEC directorate to enable it discharge its responsibility effectively and efficiently.
Engr. Dunoma says FAAN recently procured 10 additional patrol vehicles to boost the current fleet of vehicles for effective coverage and patrol, while additional screening machines were being procured and old ones being replaced.
Engr. Dunoma calls for total commitment, determination and cooperation by all to achieve their desired objectives both for FAAN, aviation industry and the entire nation.