The National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, said on Tuesday that the proliferation of drones constitutes a threat to aviation security.
According to the Centre, the use of drones has transformed from survey equipment to weapons.
The centre also said drones have changed the way wars, especially low-intensity conflicts, are being waged.
The National Coordinator of the Centre, Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa (retd) disclosed this at the Nigeria-United Kingdom joint threats and counter-drones workshop in Abuja.
He called for proactive strategies to address the challenges posed by the rapid increase in drone usage.
Musa said, “Today, unmanned aerial vehicles have evolved from being tools of reconnaissance to being used as contemporary weapons. Drones have become a means and have changed the way wars, especially low-intensity conflicts, are being waged.
“The ever-emerging uses and interest in drone acquisition make its proliferation inevitable if the use and global market for UAVs, weaponised or otherwise, are not regulated. It is imperative that we develop an in-depth understanding of this threat and work together to devise robust and proactive strategies to mitigate the adverse challenges and strengthen aviation security.”
Musa also called on relevant government agencies in the country to give more seriousness to counter-terrorism activities in the aviation sector.
He said tourists’ perception of a country is connected to the safety of the country’s aviation and maritime industries.
Musa said, “There is no doubt that the impact of terrorism on internal travel could have profound negative impacts on the human, social, and economic development of any country. Tourists’ risk perception of a country is often associated with the safety of a country’s aviation and maritime travel, and such perception has political, social, and economic implications for the country.
“For instance, the impact of terrorism on the travel and tourism industry can lead to unemployment, homelessness, deflation, and many other social and economic ills.
“Today’s event is a call for action to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, including non-governmental organisations and all well-meaning Nigerians present here today, to consciously take up more seriously the security of aviation security management, especially counter-terrorism-specific and counter-terrorism-relevant activities.”
A representative of the British High Commission, Jonathan Kendall, noted that terrorism can only be overcome by working together.
He said, “Terrorism threat is global, and it is only through collaboration that it can be defeated. We are here to share our experiences and we are keen to learn from you.”
ThePunch
