…deploys advanced scanners for international flights

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced a major upgrade in passenger facilitation for international flights by phasing out physical luggage screening at both the old and new terminals of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

This move follows the installation of state-of-the-art Rapiscan screening machines and surveillance systems at key checkpoints within the terminals. The new technology is designed to streamline security processes and reduce the time spent during pre-flight check-ins.

According to checks by The Nation, FAAN has already installed four high-capacity screening machines at the MMIA capable of detecting illicit drugs, concealed currency, and other prohibited items. Physical searches will now only occur when suspicious items are flagged by the Rapiscan systems.

To support this enhanced security architecture, surveillance monitors are being mounted for use by border control agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, NDLEA, and the National Agricultural Quarantine Service.

These will all be linked to a central control system to monitor operations and ensure accountability, with personnel identities displayed for transparency.

Officials confirmed that the long-standing manual search table at the terminal entrance will be dismantled this week, significantly easing the passenger flow process.

The Orion 928DX, the newly deployed scanning technology, is regarded as one of the most advanced systems in global aviation and forms part of a broader effort by FAAN to modernize Nigeria’s airport security with e-gates and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.

The sophisticated equipment, investigations reveal, combines artificial intelligence with real-time threat detection capabilities and is already redefining the way baggage is screened at the country’s busiest airport.

Fitted with crystal-clear digital displays, the machines -Orion 928DX boasts a range of smart features designed to detect narcotics, explosives, organic materials, and undeclared currency with astonishing accuracy.

Speaking in an interview, FAAN’s Head of ICT at the Lagos International Airport , Juliet Chima – Ogechukwu , said its personnel have been trained on the use of the new facilities , which will go a long way to boost safety and security at the terminal.

She said: “As luggage passes through the machine, it performs real-time scanning, quickly flagging suspicious content and highlighting it clearly on screen.

The system shows you exactly where the threat is located. With narcotics and explosives, it instantly detects, targets, and provides a clear image using its Narscan technology.

“Unlike earlier systems that could detect one threat at a time, the Orion 928DX handles simultaneous scans, detecting both explosives and narcotics in real time.

“Its integrated algorithm also allows it to adapt and absorb future upgrades, a feature many older systems lack. “This machine can evolve with new technologies. It’s designed to grow.

“The system also includes a dual-mode auto-set feature for detecting organic substances, such as agricultural products, often concealed in luggage.

It identifies them through two scanning modes, range and interactive, enabling security personnel to isolate specific pixels and trace their origins within the bag.

“It even goes a step further by detecting currency when travelers carry more than permitted. “It won’t tell you it’s naira, but it will highlight the excess. You then investigate and confirm the currency type.”

She affirmed that after the installation of the new machines, many aviation security personnel have been trained on both users and technical support programmes facilitated by the equipment manufacturer in the United Kingdom.

She said: “Now we continue training and retraining our teams to ensure optimal performance. MMA currently operates six Orion 928DX machines and four Orion 927DX systems, with plans to receive four more units in the coming weeks.

“The upgrade is also ongoing at other international airports across the country, including Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

With the new machines in place, MMA is rethinking the need for manual baggage checks altogether.

“With this technology, we really don’t need to stand by a table and start opening bags. Once the system identifies a suspicious item, it gives us an exact image and location. Then, if necessary, we proceed to a secondary search, quickly and efficiently.”

She said plans are underway to set up a private screening cubicle beside the scanning area for more discreet checks, with additional monitors installed to allow other security agencies real-time access to flagged visuals.

“Let me put it this way, with this machine, we can dismantle the old manual search tables. That’s exactly what we’re looking at.”

Also speaking, FAAN’s Director of Aviation Security Services, Albert Igbafe Afegbai said collaboration is being strengthened among security agencies to achieve the new operational architecture.

According to him, the ongoing test run of the newly introduced e-gates at the Lagos International Airport will reshape passengers’ experience.

“We are trying to eliminate physical contact and unnecessary interference during travel. With this new e-gate system, passengers only need to scan their boarding passes to pass through. Without a valid pass, access is denied — and that significantly reduces touting and prevents unauthorized access,” Afegbai.

To further enhance security operations, FAAN he said has also installed a new set of high-performance baggage screening machines designed to detect narcotics, undeclared currencies, and other contraband.

Afegbai disclosed that prior to these installations, existing equipment fell short in detecting certain prohibited items. With the acquisition of modern machines, FAAN is also facilitating capacity building across various agencies including the NDLEA, DSS, Immigration, Quarantine and Customs.

“We are now installing multiple monitors on each screening machine, so every agency has access to a dedicated screen.”