Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant step toward bolstering aviation security, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) of Nigeria, in collaboration with the UK Department for Transport Aviation Security, recently convened a workshop focused on countering the threat posed by Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS). The workshop, held in Abuja, addressed critical aspects of aviation security and underscored the need for international cooperation in safeguarding air travel.
The MANPADS Challenge
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become a preferred tool for terrorists and criminal elements seeking to disrupt socio-economic activities. These threats extend beyond national borders, necessitating joint efforts to mitigate them effectively. The NCTC recognizes that no single agency can achieve substantial success in countering terrorism without collaboration.
Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, the national coordinator of NCTC, emphasized the importance of the workshop during its opening session. He highlighted the need for inter-agency cooperation and cross-border relationships, emphasizing that terrorism respects no boundaries. The workshop, which coincided with the Nigeria-UK Strategic Defence Partnership Conference in February 2024, aims to enhance aviation security management within Nigeria.
Addressing the ‘Standoff Threat’
Mr. Jonathan Kendall, the Aviation Security Assistance officer from the UK Department for Transport, shed light on the specific threat posed by MANPADS. While securing terminal buildings is crucial, the workshop delves deeper, focusing on vulnerabilities beyond the perimeter fence. During takeoff and landing, aircraft are susceptible to shoulder-launched missiles, which can impact flights at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet.
To bolster Nigeria’s capability in countering MANPADS threats, a team from the Royal Air Force Regiment participated in the workshop. Their expertise in vulnerability mapping will aid Nigerian agencies in developing effective counter-MANPADS strategies. By collaborating and sharing knowledge, both nations aim to enhance aviation security, ensuring safer skies for passengers and cargo alike.
Since 1975, upwards of 60 civilian aircraft have been hit by surface-to-air missile platforms known as man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 civilians. Terrorist groups like al-Qaeda, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, and Lebanese Hezbollah are thought to possess MANPADS, presenting an ongoing concern for civilian air travel in the modern political climate. Although a MANPADS attack on a civilian aircraft has not been attempted since 2007, the threat of MANPADS attacks remains, and so does the need to develop a better understanding of the security risks posed by these systems.
In conclusion, the Nigeria-UK partnership exemplifies the commitment to collective security. As Maj.-Gen. Laka aptly stated, “Victory by one is victory by all.” By working together, they strive for a safer aviation environment not only for their own nations but also for the African continent and the global community.
