The Director of Aviation Security Services at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Afegbai Igbafe, has reported a daily breach of airport security, with 20 to 30 individuals intruding through perimeter fences.
This situation has led to increased patrols by security personnel and collaborative efforts with military forces to enhance security.
This was disclosed by Igbafe while addressing pressmen at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, according to The Punch.
He also noted significant damage to the airport’s perimeter fences, attributed to vandalism from neighbouring communities.
Igbafe said authorities are addressing these issues to bolster security and ensure the safety of airport operations.
“The airport’s perimeter fencing is an issue because when we came on board, we had a lot of encroachments through the perimeter areas because it is a vast land. But we have put things in place with the little resources we have.
“We have patrol at night, we have observation posts, which are manned by the AVSEC personnel, and we have joint patrols with the military—the Air Force and the AVSEC personnel. Because of the perimeter area, we recently launched the armed unit of the AVSEC. But most of the issue we have has to do with the fencing because a larger part of the fencing has been destroyed by neighbouring communities.
“I will tell you there is a big challenge because we get as many as 20 to 30 intruders every night, and when we hand them over to the police, before we know it, they are released. However, the Legal Department of FAAN is collaborating with the Attorney General of the states to help us get mobile courts so these things will be handled swiftly,” Igbafe stated.
The FAAN’s Director of Special Duties, Henry Agbebire stated that both the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and FAAN Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, are actively working on revamping the airport infrastructure to enhance security and operational efficiency.
He said that aside from ensuring the security of the airport infrastructure, FAAN was prioritising a more comfortable toilet system.
He also noted the current FAAN administration had zero tolerance for touting or any form of extortion at the airport.
“If you go to the MMIA, you will be happy because we have discouraged a lot of touting, extortion and unnecessary harassment.
“We are collaborating with different agencies to ensure we do not, in any way, be at cross-purpose. But as far as we are concerned, we have different strategies. Gone are the days when it was all about raiding people. Now, we have people that carry cameras; they have body camps, recording. And so it has really reduced the menace of illicit activities at the airport,” Agbebire noted.
He stressed that the minister in particular, has shown a strong interest in expanding restroom facilities at the airport to better serve passengers.
