- By Kayode Olabanji
The Deputy General Manager (Aviation Security) and Airport Chief of Security (ACoS) of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Akure Chapter, Mr. Benneth Iwuchukwu, fsi, has assured passengers and airport users of maximum security and safety of lives and property within the Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu Airport, Oba-Ile, Akure.
Speaking on the operations of the security unit, Iwuchukwu explained that airport security is a regulated function governed by global standard and practices domesticated in the Airport Security Programme (ASP), which derives from the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP).
The framework, he said, ensures that all security operations at the airport align with both national and international aviation security standards.
He noted that the security unit’s responsibility covers the protection of lives and property strictly within the airport premises, adding that the Akure Airport has continued to maintain a high standard of security operations, especially under the current Airport Manager.
Highlighting recent achievements, the ACoS disclosed that a baggage screening machine has been installed for the first time in the airport’s over four-decade history.
The new system, he said, automatically screens passengers’ checked-in luggage, replacing the former manual search process and enables trained officers to detect prohibited items such as aerosols, explosives, arms, and ammunitions through image analysis, thereby enhancing both security and passenger convenience.
Iwuchukwu listed prohibited items to include weapons , explosives, aerosols, and chemical, noting that all such items must be declared before boarding.
Licensed officers permitted to carry firearms, he added, are also required to declare them stressing that undeclared weapons or ammunition detected in a checked or carry-on baggage are impounded, documented and handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for handling.
Recalling an incident, he narrated the case of a returning passenger from the United Kingdom who unknowingly had a bullet in his luggage. The matter, he said, was promptly handled through DSS profiling and verification without further issue.
He commended passengers for their growing compliance and awareness of aviation security rules, particularly the restriction on carrying liquids, gels, or creams exceeding 100 millilitres, as well as prohibited items such as honey and palm oil, which certain airlines, including Air Peace, do not accept.
On inter-agency collaboration, Iwuchukwu explained that the Airport enjoys the collaboration with Police, Airforce, DSS, NSCDC and EOD that are operational in the Airport.
He noted that although the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Immigration, Customs, EFCC and NQAS does not maintain a permanent presence at the Akure Airport, since it currently operates only local flights, the airport security unit maintains strong cooperation with these agencies when the need arises .
These agencies, he said, share intelligence and watchlists to curb crimes such as drug trafficking, currency violations, and other security threats.
He further clarified that passengers are permitted to carry up to ₦5 million locally and $10,000 internationally, adding that any undeclared amount exceeding these limits is reported to the Nigeria Customs Service or the EFCC for appropriate action.
Reiterating FAAN’s core security mandate, he said the primary duty of the Aviation Security unit is to safeguard lives and property against any acts of unlawful interference, including terrorism, sabotage, and hijacking.
Sabotage, he added can include fuel theft or tampering with aircraft equipment, both of which pose serious risks to aviation operations.
While expressing satisfaction with the current safety level at the airport, he appealed to the Ondo State Government to support FAAN in addressing developmental challenges at the facility.
The Hope reports that the Akure Airport, which has been in existence for over 40 years was renamed Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu Airport, Akure in honour of Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, a distinguished aviation professional from Ondo State who made significant contributions to global and Nigerian aviation