A combined team of security operatives from the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have taken over strategic positions in most of the airports in the Northern part of the country to prevent any form of a security breach by bandits and other criminal elements.
Prior to the development, such places were manned by security personnel of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
But following the attack and abduction of aviation workers from FAAN Estate, Kaduna, two weeks ago, the federal government had ordered security beef up in all the airports in the North.
When reporters Friday visited some of the airports to assess the level of compliance with the government’s directive, it was noticed that soldiers and Air Force personnel had replaced FAAN and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officials who hitherto provide security in the facilities.
In Katsina State, our correspondent observed that more military presence was noticed at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport unlike in the past where only aviation security personnel manned the place.
Some of the military personnel were seen in their trucks around the airport, while others mounted surveillance in other critical areas.
The aviation security officials however search workers and visitors before letting them into the airport as well as enforcing COVID-19 guidelines.
At the Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang in Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau State, new security arrangements have been introduced.
Approval has also been given for the fencing of staff quarters and the operational area of the airport to prevent people suspected to be criminals from gaining access to it.
It was learned that FAAN invited NAF personnel to guard the staff quarters and the runaway.
At the FAAN staff quarters in Barkin Ladi local government area, two of the flats were occupied by members of the Special Task Force on Jos crisis code-named, “Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).
At the entrance of the airport, security men ensured that anyone coming into the area complied with COVID-19 safety.
Security cameras that were not functioning at the Yola International Airport in Adamawa.
