By George Ozalla
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Army have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen canine security operations as part of efforts to reinforce aviation security across Nigeria’s airports and other critical aviation infrastructure.
The agreement was signed on Thursday at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja, with senior officials of both institutions describing the partnership as a major step towards strengthening the country’s aviation security framework through improved canine capabilities.
The MoU establishes a formal framework for collaboration in the deployment, training and development of canine units dedicated to aviation security. Under the agreement, the Nigerian Army will qualify canine trainers and operators, while the NCAA will undertake the licensing of qualified personnel. The partnership also provides for the training and certification of NCAA Aviation Security (AVSEC) inspectors to enhance regulatory oversight and ensure compliance with international aviation security standards.
Representing the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, the Director of Aviation Security, Dr. Ben Omogo, said canine operations have become an indispensable component of modern aviation security because of the evolving nature of security threats confronting the global aviation industry.
He noted that properly trained canine teams play a critical role in detecting explosives, prohibited items and other security threats at airports, stressing that the partnership would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s aviation security architecture.
Dr. Omogo thanked the Nigerian Army for its commitment to the initiative, describing the collaboration as a demonstration of the shared determination of both institutions to sustain a safe, secure and globally compliant aviation sector.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Provost Marshal (Army), Major General M.O. Erebulu, described canine units as a vital force multiplier in modern security operations.
According to him, trained military dogs and their handlers have continued to improve operational effectiveness in explosive detection, tracking, search and other specialised security assignments.
He said the signing of the MoU reflects the collective commitment of the Nigerian Army and the NCAA to protecting Nigeria’s aviation sector through professionalism, continuous capacity building and adherence to international best practices.
Major General Erebulu also commended the NCAA for its resilience, dedication and sustained engagement, which culminated in the successful signing of the agreement.
Also speaking, the NCAA Director of Corporate Services, Dr. Rebecca Eyiuche, described the MoU as a strategic milestone that would deepen institutional collaboration between both organisations.
She said the partnership would encourage knowledge transfer, strengthen professional capacity, improve operational efficiency and guarantee the long term sustainability of canine aviation security operations in Nigeria.
The ceremony was witnessed by senior officials from both organisations.
The NCAA delegation included Mrs. Morenike Igbinoba, Deputy General Manager, Evaluation and Regulation; Mr. Austine Okeze, Deputy General Manager, Aviation Security; Mr. Wole Oludare, Deputy General Manager, Quality Control; and Mr. Achi Christopher, Aviation Security Inspector.
The Nigerian Army delegation comprised Brigadier General S. Salihu, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police; Colonel S.O. Okebukola, Acting Director, Legal Services (Army); Brigadier General A.A. Alkali, Commandant, Nigerian Army Dog Centre, Lagos; as well as Commanders and Principal Staff Officers of the Headquarters.
The partnership is expected to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, improve the operational readiness of aviation security personnel and enhance the use of professionally trained canine units in safeguarding Nigeria’s airports and other critical aviation facilities against emerging security threats.
