The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has raised the alarm over plans by “criminal elements” to attack major airports across the country.

FAAN disclosed that it received security alert from the Ministry of Aviation over planned attacks on the airports.

According to TheCable, the disclosure was contained in a memo signed by S. M. Mamman, FAAN Deputy General Manager of Administration and Logistics addressed to chiefs of security at airports.

It said in the document sighted by it and dated April 9, 2021, airports on the list include those in Kaduna, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Kano, Abuja and Lagos.

“I am directed to convey an alert from the Ministry of Aviation regarding security threats by criminal elements against Airports in Nigeria and to request for the immediate enumeration of necessary countermeasures for the protection of Airports/Facilities under your purview,” the memo reads.

“Specifically, the Airports top on the list for which criminals are considering carrying out attacks include those in Kaduna, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Kano, Abuja, and Lagos amongst others. However, all airports are hereby alerted and requested to operate at a heightened threat level.”

Consequently, the publication said the airport chiefs have been directed to “submit a list of existing and additional countermeasures to address the threats, along with their cost implications where applicable”.

Also, they are expected to urgently convene an emergency meeting of airport security committees “to review the status of airport security, jointly recommend appropriate measures and share responsibility for effective implementation.”