Flight diversion: Police set up central command unit in Kaduna airport ― IGP

THE Inspector General of Police (IGP) Idris Ibrahim has said the police have set up a central command unit in Kaduna airport ahead of the commencement of flights from Abuja to Kaduna International Airport.

He said all facilities including cabs, train couches would be adequately protected while all commanders of security agencies involved in the operation would operate from central command unit located right inside the airport.

Addressing newsmen shortly after his arrival at Kaduna airport on Sunday, the IGP assured air travelers including foreigner’s adequate security of their lives and property to and from Abuja the federal capital territory.

According to him, “as you can see, we are ready; we have deployed men and the equipment required to perform their work.

“We provided vehicles and helicopters for aeria surveillance. We mobilized men for different unit of the force  counterterrorism and anti bomb squad to man security points within and outside airport. We have also deployed sniper dogs in all hooks and crannies of the airport.

“We are covering all the highways from Kaduna to Abuja road linking to the town.  All the buses to be provided by government as chartered vehicles are providing security on each of them.

“We will equally provide security at railway stations both the one in Abuja and the one located here at Rigasa in Kaduna. Each of the couch will have security men onboard for effective security throughout the period of operations. We have tasked the helicopter to mend for security surveillance 24 hours.

“Synergy with the airport authority is quite commendable. There is a command operation centre at the airport where all the security operatives involve in this operation have representatives from where they will be issuing directives to their men across the chain of the operation.

On the issue of movement of passengers from Kaduna to Abuja he said “we have effective patrol on ground in case of any eventuality which we don’t pray for.

“As you all know, the acting President was here and the Minister also visited. That tells you how serious and committed we are at ensuring safety of lives and property of passengers including the foreigners that will be using the facilities within and beyond the period of rehabilitation of Abuja runway”, the police boss assured.