1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
The motivation to attack public transportation targets in general and the aviation industry in particular, is tied to the direct psychological effect of this type of attack. Terror attacks against the aviation industry are not a new phenomenon. They began in the 1960's with the wave of Palestinian terrorism. Since the dawn of commercial aviation, terrorists have used the air transportation system to both commit their attacks and to attack the system as a target in its own right.
Airports in particular have stood out as relatively ‘soft' targets for terrorist attacks. While aircraft have been hardened as targets over recent decades with the gradual addition of enhanced security measures, airports by nature have had to remain public areas, at least partly accessible to anyone, hence making them preferred targets. Airport attacks, along with aircraft attacks, belong to a specific aviation terrorism modus operandi (MO, ie method of attack) called ground attacks, which have in effect been alternatives to other MOs including hijacking, sabotage and suicide missions. Airport and aircraft attacks are very distinctive by their nature, but often mixed and hard to differentiate given they have commonly occurred at airports.
While launched from the ground, aircraft attacks specifically target aircraft, whether they are gated, taxiing, taking off, landing or cruising. Such acts have been conducted using guns, grenades, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), man-portable-surface to-air-missiles (MANPADS) and other weapons. Airport attacks are acts in which individuals or installations on airport grounds are violently and specifically targeted. Targets can include terminals, check-in counters, boarding gates, passenger areas, vehicles, parking lots and other equipment or buildings, but excluding aircraft themselves.
Terrorist attacks committed against airports in 2016, namely in Brussels and Istanbul, have stirred the debate about airport security and what can and should be done to prevent this type of attack. Prevention and deterrence are intrinsically intertwined. Some defensive measures help manage real security problems (ie holdbaggage screening), while others are more focused on managing the travelling public's fears and perceptions (eg sporadic police presence). Although it is impossible to develop a perfect security system seamlessly in phase with emerging threats and terrorist innovation, two things are needed to prevent and deter airport attacks:
- A comprehensive understanding of one's vulnerabilities; and
- Comprehensive knowledge of opponents and their capabilities. Large numbers of ground handlers, aircraft cleaners and maintenance personnel have unrestricted and unlimited access to the airside of airports.
Despite screening of personnel, each of these individuals potentially has the ability to smuggle weapons and explosive devices into the sterile zones of their airport, sabotage aircraft by tampering with critical flight systems and so on. Furthermore, would-be terrorists can deliberately seek employment at an airport in order to gain insider access. The whole aviation security system is jeopardized if airport and airline employees cannot be relied upon. On this background the researcher wants to investigate on role Airport Administration in Fight against Terrorism in Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Airport attacks are acts in which individuals or installations on airport grounds are violently and specifically targeted. Targets can include terminals, check-in counters, boarding gates, passenger areas, vehicles, parking lots and other equipment or buildings, but excluding aircraft themselves. The question is what is the preventive measure taken by administrative department of the airport to avoid the attack from the terrorist?
1.3 Objective of the Study
The objectives of the study are;
- To ascertain the role of airport administration plays in fighting against terrorism in Nigeria
- To ascertain the causes of terrorism attack at airport
- To ascertain the relationship between role of airport administration and terrorism in Nigeria
- To ascertain the causes of terrorism in Nigeria
1.4 Research Hypotheses
For the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;
H0: there is no role of airport administration plays in fighting against terrorism in Nigeria
H1: there is role of airport administration plays in fighting against terrorism in Nigeria
H02: there are no causes of terrorism attack at airport
H2: there are causes of terrorism attack at airport
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study will give a clear insight on role airport administration in fight against terrorism in Nigeria. The study will be beneficial to students, ministry of aviation and the general. The study will give idea in how to tackle terrorism in airport. It will also serve as a reference to other researchers that will embark on this topic. 1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study
The scope of the study covers role airport administration in fight against terrorism in Nigeria. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;
a) Availability of Research Material: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study
b) Time: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.
c) Organizational Privacy: Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities.
1.7 Definition of Terms
Terrorism:
Terrorism is, in the broadest sense, the use of intentionally indiscriminate violence as a means to create terror among masses of people; or fear to achieve a financial, political, religious or ideological aim
Administration:
The process or activity of running a business, organization, etc.
Aviation:
Aviation, or air transport, refers to the activities surrounding mechanical flight and the aircraft industry. Aircraft includes fixed-wing and rotary-wing types, morphable wings, wing-less lifting bodies, as well as lighter-than-air craft such as balloons and airships
1.8 Organization of the Study
This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows:
- Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study.
- Chapter two highlights theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature.
- Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study.
- Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.
- Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study
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