Soludo Commissions Airport VIP Lounge Amid Rising Insecurity

Anambra State Governor has commissioned the Protocol Lounge at the Chinụa Achebe International Airport, Umueri.

The lounge, the government said, aims to enhance passenger experience and position Anambra as a key destination in Nigeria’s aviation landscape.

Also, the Protocol Lounge is designed to provide comfort, exclusivity, and high-end services to dignitaries, government officials, business travellers, and other Very Important Personalities (VIPs) using the airport.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Soludo highlighted the lounge as part of his administration’s commitment to elevating the standards of public facilities in the state.

He said that “by upgrading our airport infrastructure and delivering a world-class Protocol Lounge, we are not only improving passenger experience but also signalling to investors that Anambra is open for business.

“This is about jobs, growth, and sustainable development for our people.”

Considered as a major boost to the state’s aviation infrastructure and hospitality services, the government said, the lounge is expected to increase traffic and improve the airport’s competitiveness within the region.

This development is amid the security concerns in the state, particularly with the emergence of armed men’s operations in the hot spot areas of the state.

Recall that, on Sunday, two separate attacks occurred in the Ihiala and Nawfia areas of the state— where the former involved a church attack, the latter was cult related — resulting in the death of no fewer than five people.

Also in the past week, a joint patrol of security personnel in the state was attacked by armed men in Umuoji; they subsequently engaged the security aides of Senator Chris Ngige in a gunfight, injured an officer, and carted away his service weapon.

While the Anambra state police have continued to update residents on their efforts to safeguard the state, the challenge of criminals impersonating security operatives and using their uniforms to perpetrate crime jeopardises their operations.

Complaints of criminals posing as security operatives, and reportedly abducting unsuspecting members of the public at checkpoints, are on the rise.

The state police on Tuesday described the act as a “misuse of the uniforms of security agencies within the State.”

The statement by the police confirmed the concerning trend, indicating “that unauthorised individuals have been using the uniforms of the Police and other security agencies to perpetrate crime, intimidate residents and evade lawful scrutiny.”

The police said, “The CP notes that the new directives are designed to ensure proper identification of all security personnel on duty and to eliminate the activities of impersonators who intend to endanger public safety.

He also emphasised that any individual found wearing, selling, or using Police or other security agency uniforms, kits, or accoutrements without authorisation will face immediate arrest and prosecution.

“He noted that security uniforms remain classified government property, and their unlawful possession constitutes a criminal offence.

“The Commissioner further ordered all Divisional Police Officers, tactical teams, and patrol units across the State to intensify visibility policing and conduct thorough verification of the identities of personnel during operations.

“He encouraged residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious individuals impersonating security personnel. Ndi Anambra and residents are encouraged to call the Control Room number on 07039194332 or the Police Public Relations Officer on 08039334002.”