Air Force to collaborate with airlines on security

Nigerian Air Force has pledged to collaborate with airlines operating in the country on ways of improving security around the airport. The new airport commandant, Group Captain Idi Sani disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Arik Air, where he†said the Nigeria Air Force is committed to partner the airline on ways of improving security at airports†nationwide.

Sani said the visit to Arik Air was conceived as part of proactive measures to engage the operating environment on ways the†Air Force could assist to close existing gaps in security at airports nationwide.

He said security†is a collective responsibility that requires the input of all stakeholders. He called on Arik management to invite†the†Air Force†any time there is an issue that requires†its intervention.

The airport commandant said on assumption of office,†he thought it wise to pay a working visit to Arik Air to have hand information by their operations.

In his†remarks the managing director of Arik Air, Chris Ndulue commended the airport commandant for his visit, which he said is novel, being the first time senior personnel of Nigerian Air Force is visiting the airline to seek† ways of partnership . Ndulue said there is need to manage security very well around the airport with close collaboration with the military.

He said: “This is a good relationship between Arik Air and the Nigeria Air Force. The decision to visit Arik Air by the new Air Force commandant is very innovative. It is a proactive measure and good initiative to improve good relationship and security at the airport. We are very delighted at this visit and must commend the Air Force for coming to our rescue anytime we have issues around the airport.

We pledge to work assiduously with the Air Force to manage challenges of security”. ìThere were times we had issues at the Enugu Airport, and the Nigeria Air Force base in Port Harcourt, the Air Force came to our rescue. There are many security challenges around airports nationwide, and we are calling on the Air Force to always come to our rescue.

We are looking forward to areas we could explore training possibilities to forge relationships that are robust and enduringî. Earlier, the airport commandant said: “Security is a collective responsibility requiring all stakeholders to work closely to close existing security gaps. There are many lapses around the airport and we all have to work hard to close these gaps. We are open to discussions on how to improve security”.