The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said that it has commenced a full scale investigation into the wanton security breach that occurred on Friday, August 3, 2018, at the Sultan Abubakar Sadiq 111 Airport, Sokoto.
An online statement issued by the General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA, Mr Sam Adurogboye stated that the regulatory body had received the reports of a huge crowd that flagrantly broke all security rules and gained unauthorised access to the safety critical areas of the airport, which include Runway, Taxiway and Apron.
The General Manager, Public Relations, cited the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) Part 17.48.3(c), which stipulates that “access by persons and vehicles to restricted areas, enhanced security restricted areas and sterile areas is restricted only to persons who have a clear need for such access by virtue of their duties.”
He said that in addition, the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP), 6.3.1. states that, “in accordance with the appropriate legislation, no person to whom the legislation applies, shall enter or remain in a Restricted Area, Enhanced Security Restricted Area, or tenant restricted area unless that person has in his or her possession a Restricted Area or Tenant Restricted Area Permit in respect of that restricted area or Tenant Restricted Area and complies with all conditions of issuance of the Permit.”
NCAA, Adurogboye stated would not tolerate the reoccurrence of any such safety and security violations at any of the nation’s airports, adding that in view of the anticipated increase in aviation activities, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as well as other State and Private Aerodrome Operators are hereby directed to beef up safety and security systems at their airports.
Meanwhile, NCAA warned the general public to desist from the unlawful acts as NCAA would not hesitate to impose severe sanctions on any person, group of persons or organisations found culpable.
NCAA, he stated would continue to safeguard civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference at all the nation’s airports.
He assured that NCAA, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies will continue to work together to ensure that all our airports are safe and secure for airline operations.
