A non-governmental organization, Aviation Round Table (ART), has thrown its weight behind Federal Government approval of providing firearms to Aviation Security (AVSEC) officials, saying it will enhance National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP).
This support is coming few days after the Federal Government ordered Task Force to search the aircraft of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party.
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A statement signed by Olumide Ohunayo, the public relations officer of the organisation, noted that the primary objective of AVSEC was the protection and safety of passengers, crew, ground personnel, aircraft and facilities serving civil aviation against act of unlawful interference in sterile areas of airport, adding that the participation of other security agencies was inevitable in the airport security network.
“Consequent to this approval we strongly advise a review of the airport security architecture to cover elements of the various security agencies, which will now form the new organogram.
“This will eliminate inter-agency rivalry, foster cooperation, provide a common platform to asses measure of effectiveness, process operational effectiveness and after-action plans.
“Please note that they administratively remain under their parent agencies but under the operational command and control of the new Airport Security Architecture,” Ohunayo said.
The ART, however, advised that selected men that would bear arms must be properly trained and tested in rudiment areas of arms handling, standard armory and trained armorer for safekeeping of ammunitions while the necessary procedure for issuance, retrieval, and accountability of expended rounds, if necessary be put in place.
“In the 90s, we delegated and rotated the heads of security agencies serving in the airports to supervise and control night operations, which is akin to the United States TSA model.
“Security threats have evolved. We as a nation are challenged to find the nexus and best-fit security architecture, as our security challenges cannot be the same with other nations. Therefore we cannot lift models hook line and sinker,” the group said.
