-We are on track to safeguard lives, property – Ministry source

Sequel to the fresh intelligence indicating a planned terrorist attack targeting key infrastructure in Nigeria, including the nation’s airports, security experts have raised the alarm over the vulnerability of the country’s aviation facilities.

This is as a source close to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), said that the agency was working round the clock to plug the loopholes in the system, but declined to speak further on critical steps taken.

Speaking with The Guardian, a retired aviation security expert, John Ojikutu, warned that critical gaps, particularly in perimeter and security fencing, persist across major airports in the country.

Ojikutu explained that airport security operates on six fundamental levels – intelligence sharing, passenger pre-screening, check-in and baggage screening, access control, passenger checkpoint screening and boarding gate screening.

According to him, failure at any of these levels, especially intelligence, could allow threats to slip through and escalate into national disasters.

He maintained that there was a difference between basic perimeter fencing and internationally compliant security fencing.

Ojikutu referenced standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), noting that while many Nigerian airports had perimeter fences, they often fall short of the enhanced security fencing requirements outlined in ICAO’s Annex 17 and Document 8973.

Ojikutu maintained that Nigeria was yet to fully comply with recommendations flagged in past ICAO audits, including concerns raised as far back as 2004.

He also pointed to structural risks identified in more recent ICAO assessments, particularly at Lagos airport, where the layout of facilities along one axis poses additional threats.

He added: “There are standards for all airlines and airports. If intelligence fails, any of these could fail and the threat could be boarded and become a national disaster even with onboard security.

“Perimeter Fence (Annex 14) is not a Security Fence (Annex 17). There may be perimeter fence at an airport but if not security enhanced to Annex 17 standards, it has not fulfill the provision of security fence in the Document 8973.

“Lagos Airport has a perimeter fence, not enhanced for security fence and ICAO Audit Report of 2004 said so and we are yet to comply. So are many of our airports.

“Last year, ICAO identify for us the risks the structural development of all services along one side of our airport pose as threats to our airport particularly Lagos. I am not sure; beside the tollgates issues, the responsible aviation and airports authorities have given it serious thoughts since last year.”

Meanwhile, a source close to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, assured that the government was taking critical steps to mitigate the risks.

According to the source, airport authorities, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), are working closely with security agencies, sharing intelligence and implementing precautionary steps to safeguard critical infrastructure.

The source also disclosed that perimeter fencing projects are underway in at least for major airports in the country under the government’s Renewed Hope Initiative projects.

He, however, declined to give the details of the projects and efforts being taken by the government to ensure maximum security of assets, saying that “it’s a security issue. We can’ disclose that on the pages of newspaper.”

Also, aviation expert, Charles Amokwu, said that the country had been lucky with security in the aviation sector over the years.

Amokwu mentioned the last month’s bandits’ invasion at Akure Airport, saying that more needed to be done to keep the airports safe.

He also said that on numerous occasions, there had been security breaches at Kaduna, Lagos and other major airports across the country, calling for collaboration, rather than rivalry among security agencies.

He added: “The customs’ warning should serve as a wake-up call, rather than routine intelligence. With airports serving as gateways to the economy and international travel, any successful attack could have far-reaching consequences, not just for national security, but for investor confidence and the country’s global standing.”

An internal memo by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), dated April 13, 2026, revealed a “credible report” that insurgent groups, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, were planning coordinated attacks within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and surrounding areas.

Among the potential targets listed in the memo were the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, the Kuje Correctional Centre and the Wawa Military Prison in neighbouring Niger State.

According to the document, ISWAP operatives may have already infiltrated the FCT to facilitate the attacks.