Plans to arm aviation security guards elicit mixed feelings

Stakeholders and experts have expressed mixed feelings over plans by the Federal Government to arm aviation security (AVSEC) personnel of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

While the decision was described as a laudable initiative aimed at strengthening security architecture at the airports in view of the rising security breaches, those who spoke with Daily Trust said the right personnel must be chosen within the AVSEC unit.

Daily Trust reports that the approval was earlier given after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting of January 4, 2017 and it is to be fashioned after the United States Transport Security Administration (TSA) where the personnel are armed with K-9 dogs, handcuffs, batons and light weapons.

Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, however reiterated during an AVSEC retreat in Katsina that discussion was almost concluded on the plan aimed at positioning the personnel to rise up to any security threat at airports. “The Federal Government approved for AVSEC to bear arms which is a notable achievement in this administration’s effort at improving the general safety of its citizenry and passengers passing through our airports,” he reportedly said.

But a security expert, retired Major Daniel Banjo, in a chat with Daily Trust said arming aviation security personnel just like the statutory security agency officials such as the police, army and Civil Defence could trigger conflicts.

“Let me ask you, what is the responsibility of the Nigeria Police? The Nigeria Police is to ensure orderliness all over the states of Nigeria. All airports are manned by the police. If there is the need to form an aviation police, fine,” he said.

However, he noted that if the airports authority has the capacity, a few of its officers could be identified and it should not be an all-comers affair. “If FAAN has the capacity, they have to look for individuals to be trained, give them adequate military training and make sure you instill in them discipline which is very important. You don’t arm idiots, you don’t arm fools”, he added.

Also commenting, Comrade Olayinka Abioye, General Secretary of Nigeria Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), said there was nothing wrong in the move as the Act establishing FAAN provides that AVSEC shall bear arms. However, he advocated that the concerned personnel must undergo requisite training, medical/mental tests, psychological test “so that those who passed such test can be licensed to carry arms.”

“The rest of them, as the need arises may be permitted to carry tasers and any other non-lethal articles of defence,” he said. Another expert, Mr. Chris Aligbe also welcomed the development. He said, “Other security agencies would be there but not that visible but they would do their jobs. If AVSEC is armed, they should be trained to handle all airport security challenges and issues,” he added.