In its bid to boost security at international airports in the country, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commissioned 120 officers of the Aviation security (AVSEC) special force trained to bear arms.

While commissioning the officers at the International wing of the Murtala Muhammad International Airport Lagos, the Managing Director of FAAN, Olubumi Kuku stated that it was a remarkable moment for the agency as it takes constructive steps to get Nigeria Aviation security team kitted in line with global standards

In her words, “This is for them to help us in terms of securing our assets, lives, and the people within the aviation environment, specifically at the airports. It’s remarkable for us. We’re happy that we spent significant time training and identifying the individuals for this squad.”

Kuku also took the moment to address concerns about the security team deploying their arms for use as excessive force in the course of their duty. She noted that the arms they carry shows that they are now an elite squad that will complement the aviation security staff that the agency already has.

She cautioned passengers and airport users to conduct themselves and go about their businesses in orderliness around the airport.

The newly commissioned officers will be deployed across Nigeria’s five international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu. Mrs. Kuku noted that this deployment is part of an ongoing training program, with 30 officers currently assigned to Lagos.