UK and Nigerian Agencies Collaborate to Enhance Aviation Security Against Terrorist Threats.

The UK government, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) have taken action to lessen aviation hazards related to counterterrorism activities in Nigeria. Speaking at the opening of the Counter Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) Workshop in Abuja, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, the national coordinator of the Nigeria-UK Strategic Defence Partnership, stated that the workshop was one of the aviation security topics to be covered during the February 2024 conference.

Laka expressed grave concern over terrorists and other criminal groups using unmanned aerial vehicles to interfere with the nation's socioeconomic activity. He emphasized the necessity for continuous collaboration among aviation security stakeholders to address the situation effectively. He noted, “The training is a great idea, and the timing couldn't be better because no organization can defeat terrorism on its own. It once again emphasizes the need for us to work together, identifying our crucial roles and collaborating to record great progress in the country’s aviation security. It therefore stresses the need for inter-agency collaboration and cross-border relationships to stem this tide because terrorism recognizes no borders."

In view of this, the NCTC-ONSA, in collaboration with the UK Department for Transport Aviation Security, aims to address this aspect of aviation security management in Nigeria with this workshop. “This workshop should be seen as a call to re-awakening for collaborative effort which we all must embrace, as victory by one is victory by all of us and a greater victory for our entire nation, the African continent, and the world at large,’’ Laka added.

Mr. Jonathan Kendall, the Aviation Security Assistance officer for the UK Department for Transport at the British High Commission, explained that the goal of the session was to lessen the threat of a "standoff." Kendall stated that while a country could take all necessary precautions to secure the terminal building, the workshop addresses threats that go beyond the outer gate. He highlighted that aircraft are susceptible to shoulder-launched missiles during takeoff and landing, which can affect an aircraft up to 30,000 feet in the air.

“We have brought a team from the Royal Air Force regiment who are experienced in countering these threats, and they are looking to further develop the Nigerian capability in this area, particularly in the area of vulnerability mapping. So I would expect the Nigerian agencies to further develop their MANPADS capability, particularly when it comes to patrolling and mapping vulnerable areas of the airport,’’ Kendall said.