Ministry To Secure Airport, Bans Farming, Grazing On Premises

Bauchi State Ministry of Works and Transport has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen the security architecture of the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi (SATBIA) to ensure the protection of its environment and infrastructure.

The assurance was given by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Engr. Mohammad Hamisu Garba, during a security and community stakeholders’ meeting held yesterday at the airport.

Hamisu stated that the initiative aligned with directives from Governor Bala Mohammed, instructing the ministry to ensure security at the airport to prevent further breaches.

As part of the strategy, the ministry has deployed seven surveillance personnel recruited from communities surrounding the airport.

These individuals, according to Hamisu, will work in close collaboration with the airport authorities to curb vandalism and ensure prompt reporting of suspicious activities.

The permanent secretary also highlighted the recent successful departure of 2025 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from the airport as a demonstration of the airport’s operational readiness.

He reiterated the ban on all farming and livestock-rearing activities within the airport premises to enhance safety.

He called on traditional leaders to help raise awareness and mobilise community support in safeguarding airport facilities from any form of vandalism.

The general manager of SATBIA, Surveyor Babagana Muhammad Tata, said the airport had recently experienced sabotage.

He emphasised the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the airport’s security strategy and called on surrounding communities to take ownership of the facility.

“The airport belongs to all of us. Community support is vital to ensure a breach-free environment,” Tata said.

Also speaking, the Hamlet Head of Durum Fulani, Malam Sale Garba, representing the Ward Head of Durum, Nasiru Musa, commended the government for involving their youths in the surveillance team and pledged the community’s full support for the initiative.

“We are grateful for the opportunity and are confident that our youths will carry out their duties responsibly,” he said.