Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano recently visited Nigeria to meet with top officials from across Africa and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to discuss ways to bolster global aviation security.
“The attempted terrorist attack on Dec. 25 demonstrated that international terrorist threats must be countered with a coordinated, global response through enhanced security standards, increased information sharing and stronger screening measures,” Napolitano said. “My meetings with our African partners underscore our commitment to working together to strengthen global aviation security measures and better protect the traveling public.”
On April 2, Napolitano announced that the Transportation Security Administration will start implementing new enhanced security measures for all air carriers with international flights to the United States to strengthen the safety and security of all passengers — superseding the emergency measures put in place immediately following the attempted terrorist attack on Dec. 25, 2009.
These new, threat and risk-based security protocols — tailored to reflect the most current information available to the U.S. government — will apply to all passengers traveling to the United States.
A grand jury in January indicted Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a 23-year-old Nigerian national, on six counts, including attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted murder within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. If convicted, Abdulmutallab faces life in prison.
Federal authorities say Abdulmutallab tried to destroy Northwest Airlines flight 253 from Amsterdam as it prepared to land at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Abdulmutallab tried to ignite an explosive device concealed in his underwear that contained pentaerythritol, also known as PETN, according to prosecutors.