New batch of Airport Security Officers now on training

Published: Friday, 07 July 2023 05:54

The new 106 Airport Security Officers (ASOs) recently recruited by the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) are participating in an aviation security training session starting July 5 2023 in Yaoundé.

The training, which is ongoing at the CCAA's Training School TS/ CCAA aims to provide the new ASOs with the knowledge and skills they need for the efficient implementation of security measures at our airports. The programme will cover topics such as:

  •  The principles of aviation security
  •  Detection of prohibited items
  •  Passenger and baggage screening and
  •  Reporting security incidents

Subsequently, the training will focus on practical On-the-Job Training (OJT) so that they can gain experience. In his speech, the Deputy Director General of the CCAA, Mr Allabira MAMADOU, underlined the CCAA's commitment to aviation security and recalled the significant role played by Airport Security Officers (ASOs) in protecting passengers and their baggage. For him, "operational security officers are the first line of defence against potential threats to aviation security", hence the importance of training them.

He recommended humility, rigour in work, respect for hierarchy and moral integrity to the new recruits.

It is important to remember that this corps of ASOs has already proved its worth on airport platforms. For example, they recently played a decisive role in tracking down a network of gold smugglers at Nsimalen international airport. And their bravery was rewarded at the last meeting of the Nsimalen International Airport local Security Committee by awarding them letters of satisfaction (the equivalent of a bonus at the CCAA).

The 106 new ASOs are the "crème de la crème" of the 5,000 candidates who turned out for the recruitment competition launched in May 2023 by the CCAA. They will join the ranks of those already working at airports in the country.