Counter-Terrorism: ONSA Raises Concerns Over Use Of UAVs By Terrorists

• ONSA raised concerns about terrorists using UAVs to disrupt Nigeria’s socio-economic activities, emphasizing the need for inter-agency collaboration
• The Counter MANPADS Workshop aims to enhance aviation security management and address threats from shoulder-launched missiles during aircraft operations

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has raised concerns about the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) by terrorists and other criminal elements to disrupt Nigeria’s socio-economic activities.

The National Coordinator of the National Counter-terrorism Centre (NCTC) in the ONSA, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, highlighted this issue during the opening session of the Counter Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) Workshop in Abuja on Monday. He emphasized the need for inter-agency collaboration and international partnerships to address aviation-related threats associated with counter-terrorism operations.

“This workshop underscores the necessity for us to work together, recognizing our crucial roles and collaborating to enhance the country’s aviation security. It stresses the importance of inter-agency collaboration and cross-border relationships to combat terrorism, which knows no borders,” said Laka.

Through this workshop, the NCTC-ONSA, in collaboration with the UK Department for Transport Aviation Security, aims to tackle aviation security management challenges in Nigeria. Laka urged all participants to see this workshop as a call for collaborative efforts, stating, “Victory by one is a victory for all of us and a greater victory for our entire nation, the African continent, and the world at large.”

Jonathan Kendall, Aviation Security Assistance Officer for the UK Department for Transport at the British High Commission, emphasized the workshop’s goal to mitigate ‘standoff threats.’ He explained that while securing terminal buildings is crucial, the workshop aims to counter threats beyond the perimeter fence, particularly during aircraft takeoff and landing, vulnerable to shoulder-launched missiles impacting up to 30,000 feet.

“We have brought a team from the Royal Air Force regiment experienced in countering these threats to further develop Nigerian capabilities, especially in vulnerability mapping. I expect Nigerian agencies to enhance their MANPADS capabilities, particularly in patrolling and mapping vulnerable airport areas,” Kendall stated.