Brussels attack: Nigeria, others strengthens security around airports

Following the Tuesday’s attack on Brussels airport, the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has beefed up security in and around all the airports in the country.

Yakubu Dati

Mr Yakubu Dati, General Manager, Public Affairs of FAAN, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking on steps taken to avoid the Brussels incident in the country.

Dati, said that sniffer dogs have been deployed to airports in conjunction with the Nigerian police.

He stressed that the Authority will not leave any stone unturned to ensure maximum security at the airport, especially with the Easter celebrations around the corner.

The General Manager, Public Affairs of FAAN, expressed shock over the dastardly act carried out at the Brussels airport, warning those without business at the airport not to constitute nuisance, stressing that a special task force from the Independent Corrupt Practices were on ground to apprehend touts.

He said all the body scanners and Close Circuit Television gadgets were operational beaming activities of all at the airport, and advised passengers to arrive the airport on time to do their normal check in procedures in order not to miss their flights.

Dati urged all air passengers not to leave any luggage behind as such item will be taken away and destroyed.

Meanwhile, explosions in the departures hall of Brussels Airport on March 22, 2016 has prompted several countries worldwide to review or tighten airport security and raises questions about how soon passengers should be screened when entering terminals.

At least 10 were killed by two bombs at Brussels airport. The attackers accessed the airport without passing security checks, which in Europe usually only take place after check-in.

Information rife in public space suggests that various authorities responded to this attack by stepping up the number of police on patrol at airports in London, Paris and Frankfurt and at other transport hubs as Brussels train services were also halted. Airlines diverted flights as Brussels airport announced it would remain closed on Wednesday.

In the United States, the country’s largest cities were placed on high alert and the National Guard was called in to increase security at New York City’s two airports.

In another African country, Kenya a fortnight ago, it was revealed that Kenyan authorities beefed up security at the country’s major airports following intelligence reports that Al-Shabaab militants have concluded plans to use suicide bombers disguised as passengers to stage attacks in aircraft

According to Kenyan authorities, a leaked internal memo shows up to 11 Al-Shabaab suicide bombers have been trained ready for the mission.

The memo from the Kenya Airports Authority security stated that the planned attacks to be staged end of February and early March will target domestic flights.