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Gbenga Olowo, president, Aviation Round Table
Posted by Sade Williams
A non-governmental organisation, Aviation Round Table (ART), has thrown its weight behind Federal government approval of providing firearms to Aviation Security (AVSEC) officials, saying it will to enhance National Civil Aviation Security Program (NCASP).
A statement signed by the public relations officer of the organisation, Olumide Ohunayo, noted that the primary objective of AVSEC is 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 are 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 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”.
The ART, however advised that selected men that will bear arms must be properly trained and tested in rudiment areas of arms handling, standard armoury and trained armourer for safe keeping of ammunitions while 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.