Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has inaugurated a team of 120 officers from the Aviation Security (AVSEC) Special Force at various international airports across the country.
This newly commissioned Special Force has undergone training in handling firearms, marking a significant enhancement in security measures at Nigeria’s major entry points.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony for 30 personnel held at the international terminal of Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos, Kuku emphasized the importance of this initiative for FAAN. She highlighted that equipping Nigeria’s aviation security team with the necessary tools and training aligns with global standards, demonstrating FAAN’s commitment to ensuring robust security within the nation’s airports.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, outlined the objectives behind deploying the Aviation Security (AVSEC) Special Force, emphasizing its role in safeguarding assets and ensuring the safety of individuals within Nigeria’s aviation environment, particularly at airports. She noted the strategic significance of this move, underscoring the rigorous training and meticulous selection process that prepared the specialized squad for their responsibilities.
Mrs. Kuku commended the professionalism exhibited by the newly deployed officers and affirmed their commitment to collaborate closely with various security agencies. Their collective efforts are aimed at maintaining a secure operational framework across the nation’s airports.
Kuku reassured the public that the security team would responsibly deploy their arms as necessary for their duties, advising passengers and airport users to conduct themselves in an orderly manner while going about their business.
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.
