Terrorism: FAAN Warns Passengers, Installs More Security Gadgets

The management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said it is constrained to advise all airport users, especially passengers and airline operators, to be security conscious at airports, following the spate of recent security breaches, including bomb blasts, at some airports around the world.

It could be recalled that Ataturk airport located in Istanbul, Turkey, the Europe's third-busiest in passenger traffic after London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle, serving 61.3 million passengers in 2015. World's 11th busiest, was attacked by suspected terrorists during the week.

In a statement by Mr. Yakubu Dati, general manager, Corporate Affairs at FAAN, the management said that passengers are advised not to accept any luggage from anyone and to report any suspicious movements or behaviour immediately to Aviation Security Personnel in the terminals.

“On its part, the Authority has put adequate security measures in place at all Nigerian airports, to forestall any form of security breach, including the installation of 3D screening machines, metal detectors and CCTV cameras.

“Apart from the statutory security and safety measures already in place at the airports, sniffer dogs and members of the Bomb Detection Unit of the Nigerian Police Force have also been deployed at the airports, to complement the effort of our Aviation Security personnel at the security screening points.

“Inspite of these heightened security measures, passenger facilitation at all our airports has also been enhanced by the installation of more modern and bigger conveyor belts and metal walk-through detectors. Airport terminals have also been expanded and modernised to provide better ambience and more space for passenger comfort.

“As the Sallah holiday approaches, the Authority also wishes to advise air passengers to make early arrangements for their travels and to leave home early on their travel dates, in order to complete their boarding facilities in good time,” the statement read.