Th e Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has carried out a trial run on astrophysics baggage scanner capable of detecting explosives, narcotics and other prohibited items either on hand or checked-in luggage. Speaking at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport during the test run, the managing director of the agency, Mr. Saleh Dunoma said the upgraded scanner is a boost to its (FAAN’s) safety and security programmes at the country’s airports.
“FAAN is committed to put all necessary measures in place in line with international aviation standards and recommended best practices to enhance safety and security at the airports,” he said. Dunoma said FAAN was determined to ensure safety and security at airports as well as protect lives and provide machines that would be of immense benefi ts to the airlines and all its (FAAN’s) stakeholders.
“Th is scanner is intended to complement the executive order recently issued, by the acting president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and also assist the operations of other agencies at the airport and make them more effi cient. “Our intent is to deploy these scanners to our international airports but this depends on the outcome of its performance in Lagos,” he added. Also speaking, the equipment supplier, Mr. Akin Mustapha, said the equipment could detect prohibited items wherever they may be hidden. “Th is is an Astrophysics Baggage Scanner which is manufactured in California, USA. It will identify hidden threats in carry-on items and checked-in baggage at airports.
It has high penetration steel and it can detect explosives and narcotics. It has six colour generations which enable it to do a proper analysis of objects that go into it, better than others. It is highly reliable and very sensitive. “In other airports around the world, they are taking away other machines and replacing them with this machine (Astrophysics) for upgrade and effi ciency. “With superior image quality and innovative features including six color imaging for increased object identifi cation and screener assist for automatic programmable detection, Astrophysics provides operators with the advanced tools required for quick and reliable airport screening,” he said.
