Terrorism: Arik Air Calls for More Police Presence At The Airports

Arik Air, the foremost carrier in Nigeria and largest in Africa has called on the Federal Government to deploy armed policemen at the nation’s airports to beef up security in view rising wave of terrorism the world over

The airline made the call at the weekend when the new Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Dorothy Gimba paid a courtesy visit to Arik Air headquarters in Lagos.

Captain Ado Sanusi

The Deputy Managing Director, Captain Ado Sanusi who spoke on behalf of the airline said to further tighten security at the terminal buildings and the airside, there was need to have armed police officers at these areas, especially at this time when insurgency is threatening peace in the world, forcing various countries to restructure their security system, including airport security.

Sanusi also said that the presence of armed police officials was necessary in order to checkmate disruptive passengers who overreact when flights were rescheduled or cancelled, adding that cancellation and flight rescheduling were a trend in international air travel, which passengers should be familiar with.

He assured the new Commissioner of Police that Arik would continue to support the activities of the Command and ready to respond when called upon for assistance.

“In view of the new security situation in the world, there is need to have armed policemen at the terminal buildings and at the airside of the airport. This will help to tighten security at the airport and to also complement what the Aviation Security (AVSEC) is doing. This has become very important because of the new security threats in the world and even in the country.

“Arik will continue to support the police and whenever we are called upon we will respond. Police can partner with us in order to fortify security in our operations,” Sanusi said.

The Commissioner of Police, Gimba expressed appreciation for the support Arik Air had given the Command, saying that the police would continue to expect more of the support from the airline.

“I came to make myself known because when you come to a place you ought to make yourself known to the community in which you are to take charge of and policing the airport is not particularly funny. For me, it is not a familiar terrain. One needs to pay attention, especially to emerging crimes and security threats all over the world,” Gimba said.

She commended Arik Air for the sophisticated security equipment acquired by the airline. She said the Command would work with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on ways to effectively utilize available security devices.

“I will study the environment and look at the areas where police presence is needed. Before you can make changes you must understand the system. We commend Arik Air for the operational vehicle it provided us recently, but like Oliver Twist we ask for more support from you. We, on the other hand will also strengthen security in your operations,” the Commissioner of Police said.