Stakeholders examine dynamics of Multi-Layered Airports Security System

Chief Executive Ofiicer, Centurion Aviation Security Safety Consults and Secretary General of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), Group Captain John Ojikutu (Retd) has  said that aircraft used first as an equipment to fight the enemies outside has now become the platform for enemies inside (international and homegrown terrorists) to attack  the wstate.

In his presentation which aligns with Managing Director, Pathfinders International Limited, Mrs. Nkechi Onyenso both agreed there is need to maintain a multi-layered security infrastructure in the air transportation system  to effectively protect the system  against any kind of terrorism and/or unlawful interference.

Ojikutu’s presentation, Layers and Passengers Facilitation at the ASRTRI/ART Network 2022 Breakfast Business Meeting  which dissected security defence layers, the retired Group Captain identified intelligence, access control, national regulation amongst others structured to protect the nation’s airports.

He said, “Analysis of collected threat related information on groups or individuals that could pose as threats and risk to the National Security and identified and selected by the relevant security Authority for the NCAA on No fly list and Watch list.  During passenger pre-screening; identify individuals on national security Watch or No fly list. Prohibit listed individuals from boarding the flight.

“In cases of those designated on the Watch list ensure such passengers undergo enhanced screening before boarding,” he said.

On access control, he stressed that access points are created and controlled to exclude non- travellers and unauthorized staff entry into the airport security controlled areas especially the Airside.

On checkpoint screening for passenger carry-on luggage, he said that the National Regulation require airports to conduct checkpoint screening for all passenger and (in some special cases) enhanced screening for airline selectees and those passenger on State Security Service Watch list.

Mrs. Onyenso while speaking on the topic: Sustaining a Potent Multi-Layer Aviation Security System: The perspective of a Corporate Practitioner in the same event said there is a need to constantly revise and refresh threat assessments regularly stressing that the airports have to be granted  necessary resources for a proper and effective implementation of all security measures that mitigate the risks posed by the current and evolving threats to civil aviation.

She said as threats to air travel continue to evolve, airport security is constantly challenged in its ability to maintain a safe, and secure environment for travelers.

She posited that,”Being able to manage evolving threats such as aviation terrorism, unlawful interference, cyber-crime or drone requires frequent innovations and new technology adoption to ensure high security standards. Hence, the need for a Multi-layer Aviation Security System (MLASS).

She went further, “The concept of protecting a computer network with a series of defensive mechanisms such that if one mechanism fails, another will already be in place to thwart an attack. A defense mechanism that mitigates, delays, or prevents threats.

“A security plan designed to mitigate or prevent breaches physically at the airports and in data security threats. Using numerous security solutions to guard the system from threats. A deep defensive security policy should be aimed at preventing threats from becoming dangerous.”