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Keyamo To DSS: ‘You Have No Business Searching People’s Bags At Airport’
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Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has clarified that the Department of State Services (DSS) is not responsible for inspecting passengers’ bags at Nigerian airports.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News’ This Morning program on Sunday, Keyamo addressed long-standing complaints about congestion and inefficiencies caused by overlapping duties of airport security agencies.
Airport Congestion and Joint Inspection Tables
Using Lagos International Airport as an example, Keyamo explained that upon arrival, passengers’ bags are immediately screened by machines. Following this, the bags are typically sent to a joint inspection table where officials from multiple agencies—including DSS, Customs, NDLEA, and quarantine—simultaneously conduct manual checks.
He highlighted how this arrangement has led to bottlenecks that sometimes extend to the entrance gates, causing significant delays and passenger frustration. To address these issues, the Ministry of Aviation has dismantled joint inspection tables at airports, streamlining operations.
Clarifying DSS Roles
Keyamo emphasized that the primary responsibility of DSS officers at airports is to profile individuals entering or exiting the country for security purposes, not to search passengers’ bags. He urged DSS officials to collaborate with immigration officers at passport control to identify and manage high-risk individuals discreetly.
“DSS has no business searching people’s bags,” Keyamo stated. “You are there to profile individuals, particularly those under security scrutiny, and collaborate with immigration at the point of passport stamping. If needed, pull aside suspicious individuals for further checks in a private screening area.”
New Streamlined Security Processes
To eliminate redundant checks, Keyamo announced that aviation security personnel would now collaborate with other agencies at the baggage screening machines. Suspicious items detected by Customs or NDLEA, for instance, would lead to private searches, avoiding public disruptions and potential harassment.
Keyamo criticized the outdated practice of manual bag searches at joint inspection tables, describing it as a nuisance. “What you see in other parts of the world is reliance on screening machines. If there’s a suspicious package, pull the person aside privately. Harassing passengers at these tables is unnecessary,” he said.
Addressing Harassment and Extortion
The minister also spoke about recent federal measures aimed at curbing harassment, corruption, and extortion by security officials at airports. While acknowledging the necessity of security checks, he stressed the importance of professionalism and efficiency.
“Nobody expects to go through an airport without security checks,” he said. “However, the complaints we consistently receive from Nigerians involve extortion, corruption, and slow, unprofessional processes that do not align with global best practices.”
Keyamo assured Nigerians that these reforms aim to improve passenger experiences at airports while maintaining robust security protocols. The government’s objective, he added, is not to remove agencies but to redefine and streamline their roles to ensure a smoother process for travelers.
Keyamo believes Nigeria can align its airport operations with international standards, eliminating inefficiencies and restoring public confidence in the aviation sector. As the reforms are implemented, the Ministry of Aviation will continue monitoring the effectiveness of these measures and addressing any remaining concerns.
News
Army Nabs Wanted Soldier Accused Of Supplying Uniforms To Terrorists While Escaping to Cameroon
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have nabbed a soldier declared wanted by the Nigerian Army over his alleged involvement in supplying military wares to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
The suspect, identified as 23NA/84/1939 Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Facility (NAOTF), Lagos, was apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 25, 2026 by troops of 7 Provost Group led by the Acting Commander.
Preliminary investigations revealed that before he was declared wanted by the Army, the soldier absconded from his unit and travelled to Maiduguri on July 7, where he allegedly went into hiding.
Investigators further established that he was allegedly sheltered at Gomari Costain in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State by 25NA/89/12687 Private Baba Kamal Sale of the Corps of Intelligence, Dikwa.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops of the 7 Provost Group placed the suspect under 24-hour surveillance before intercepting and arresting him at Jidari Bus Stop while he was allegedly attempting to flee to Cameroon.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where he is undergoing further investigation into the alleged supply of military accoutrements to terrorist elements and the possible involvement of other collaborators.Government
Military sources described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle insider networks aiding terrorist groups, adding that investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any accomplice.
News
AEDC Promotes 547 Employees, Raises Pay For 579 Others
Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has promoted 547 employees and approved salary step increments for 579 others as part of a broad workforce development programme designed to reward outstanding performance, strengthen staff motivation and drive organisational excellence.
The exercise, which benefitted 1,126 employees, followed the successful completion of the company’s 2025 Performance Appraisal Exercise and underscores AEDC’s commitment to building a high-performing, customer-focused workforce.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, Chijioke Okwuokenye, said the initiative reflects the company’s resolve to place employees at the heart of its transformation agenda, stressing that investment in human capital remains critical to achieving sustainable growth.
He described the promotions and salary adjustments as a recognition of diligence, professionalism and commitment, noting that the company would continue to reward excellence while creating opportunities for career advancement.
According to him, AEDC is intentionally fostering a work environment where merit, innovation, continuous learning and teamwork determine career progression, adding that employee welfare remains a key pillar of the company’s long-term strategy.
“Our people remain our greatest asset and the foundation upon which AEDC’s future will be built. This is more than a reward for performance; it is a reaffirmation of our belief that excellence should always be recognised, talent should be nurtured and hard work should create opportunities for growth,” Okwuokenye said.
He explained that the organisation is committed to providing employees with fulfilling career opportunities that enable them to maximise their potential while contributing to AEDC’s ambition of becoming one of Africa’s leading electricity distribution companies.
The AEDC chief also urged employees who were not promoted in the current appraisal cycle to remain committed, assuring them that the company’s performance management system is structured to support continuous improvement, skills development and future career progression.
AEDC said the promotion and salary increment exercise forms part of its broader strategy to cultivate a performance-driven culture, encourage professionalism and recognise employees who contribute significantly to the company’s growth.
The company added that as it continues to modernise operations, improve electricity service delivery and enhance customer experience, it will sustain investments in staff development to strengthen productivity and reinforce its position as one of Nigeria’s preferred employers in the power sector.
News
Suspected Hoodlums Cart Away PVCs At Distribution Centre In Osun
Some hoodlums suspected to be political thugs on Sunday stormed a permanent voter’s card (PVC) distribution centre in Okuku, the headquarters of the Odo-Otin Local Government Area of the state, and carted away two packs of PVCs.
The INEC officials were busy distributing the cards at the Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, when the thugs suddenly arrived and started shooting sporadically into the air, scaring residents and officials, and took two packs of cards and left the venue before police could arrive at the scene.
The spokesperson of the Osun State Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said that about ten armed hoodlums invaded the centre, fired sporadically into the air and carted away three packs of PVCs before fleeing the scene.
Ojelabi disclosed that the State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, has condemned the attack and directed a comprehensive investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Reacting to the development, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in the state, Oluwatoyin Babalola, condemned the attack. She said she was to get the detailed report on the attack, adding that she is yet to know the exact number of PVCs carted away by the hoodlums.
The REC, however, assured the people of the state that the governorship election would be free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent.
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