The Airport Police Command is a specialized unit of the Nigeria Police Force established in September 1985 by the then Inspector-General of Police. It was later upgraded to full Command status on 1 June 2006 and operates under the direct supervision of the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) ‘A’ Department at Force Headquarters, Abuja. The Command is responsible for providing policing and security services across all international and domestic airports in Nigeria. With a personnel strength of 685 officers and men, it is headed by a Commissioner of Police and maintains dedicated police divisions at every airport nationwide. Its primary mission is to safeguard lives and property, maintain law and order, and protect critical aviation infrastructure that serves as the nation’s gateway for passenger and cargo movement.

In carrying out its duties, the Airport Police Command ensures the safety of passengers, crew members, aircraft, terminals, runways, cargo areas, and other airport facilities. It prevents, detects, and investigates crimes such as fraud, sabotage, theft, and any form of unlawful interference with aviation activities. The Command also manages crowd and traffic control within airport premises, responds rapidly to emergencies and security incidents, gathers intelligence on potential threats, and collaborates closely with other agencies including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, and aviation security teams. Through these efforts, it contributes significantly to safe, secure, and efficient air travel while upholding professionalism and public confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.