NAF to Conduct Counter-Terrorism Exercise in all Major Airports in Nigeria

NAF to Conduct Counter-Terrorism Exercise in all Major Airports in Nigeria

 

Demonstrates readiness to terrorist attacks in nation's airports

 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will conduct a counter-terrorism simulation exercise codenamed ‘Steel Dome’ in all the major airports across the country in demonstration of readiness to respond to any terrorists’ attacks in the nation's airports.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, disclosed this today at the commencement of the simulation exercise which started at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Abubakar, however, clarified that the exercise was "not because we are anticipating any terrorists’ attacks but to ensure that we are well prepared and ready for any eventualities."

He said: "Certainly, we are starting with Nnamdi Azikiwe airport; we are going to Lagos and Port Harcourt too. We are also going to Kano among others and we have adequate Special Forces to undertake this type of operation.

"Like I said, this is just an exercise which is very important to evaluate our plans from time to time. Or else, you might have some gaps in what you have put together. So this is not done because we are anticipating anything, not at all! If you have to do any anticipating, then, it would be too late.

"Right now, we have deployments in most of the airports of this special forces. So, if there is anything outside what we are expecting, it is to quickly mobilise the forces, as they are in different parts of the country. They can be mobilised without any difficulty."

The Air Force chief noted that such exercise is very significant because the regiment and quick response forces are participating in the exercise so as "to have a force that is actually going to be effective in the event of any problem in our airports."

He stressed that "you can have all the training, you can have all the skills, but unless you are tested from time to time, you will not be able to know whether there will be gaps."

Therefore, he expressed satisfaction on the overall outcome of the exercise while commending all collaborating agencies.

He added: "The whole essence of this exercise is to ensure that there are no gaps. And you also need to have the cooperation of other agencies; coordinating with other agencies, it must be evaluated from time to time to know whether there will be problems in real situations. But what I have seen this morning, I think I am very satisfied.

"You notice some people wearing this with orange badges. They are the evaluators who are here to really see how workable the plan is. Is it a plan that can really be effective and you can see some of them taking their notes, having observed the entire process.

"I want to appreciate the airport authorities, all the other agencies of government; the army is also represented here, the navy is here with us, and the National Security Adviser (NSA’s) office is also here with us. The other security agencies, like the Immigration, Customs, FAAN are all involved to ensure that we are able to deal with these situations if they arise.”