At the forefront of the AIRCOP programme are the Joint Airport Interdiction Task Forces (JAITFs), nationally owned organisations that bring together law enforcement agencies operating at international airports. Being integrated in the national security architecture, they have a mandate over the entire airport platform covering passengers, mail and cargo.
The JAITF in Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport became operational in 2013, and now consists of 38 personnel from five different law enforcement agencies. Thanks to its exemplary track record, the task force has become a model for successful interdiction efforts and inter-agency cooperation. The joint efforts of various agencies have led to significant seizures of illicit drugs, undeclared cash and falsified or fraudulent travel documents.
Diversity in law enforcement improves effectiveness
Helen Agboola Olajumoke joined the JAITF in Lagos Airport in June 2023 and has since earned the respect of her colleagues for her courage, determination, and skills, particularly for her active role in significant seizures and targeting. Her story demonstrates why true inclusion in law enforcement isn’t about women adapting to a male-dominated field — it’s about leveraging their unique strengths to enhance operational success.
“Performing analysis and targeting that result in positive interceptions and leveraging my intel background to make a positive impact on the ground, especially in the cargo area”, she answers when asked what she most likes about her role.
Olajumoke is part of a new generation of law enforcement officers who are determined to break stereotypes and prove that their contributions go far beyond traditional support roles. Key aspects of frontline enforcement, such as targeting, X-ray analysis, behaviour assessment, and interviews, are not defined by gender but by skill and expertise. Experience shows that diversity in logic, intuition, and communication styles strengthens overall team effectiveness.
“Women in law enforcement bring a sense of gender balance within the system, and many women will always feel more comfortable being attended to by another woman”, Olajumoke describes.
“Women may also be more predisposed to show empathy in certain circumstances and help in controlling tense situations”, she continues.
Change requires conscious effort
Olajumoke believes that persisting issues can be solved through a conscious and unified effort of mentoring programmes, specialised training, and participation in professional networks and organisations that are geared towards acknowledging the unique challenges that women face.
She also has a clear message to women considering a career in law enforcement: “Be confident. Step forward in the crowd and be prepared to lead. Don’t stand back, be proud of what you bring to the workforce and take command when your skills are needed. Be the woman who straightens another woman’s crown without looking for anything in return and celebrate the success of others.”
AIRCOP promotes security and equality
The EU-funded AIRCOP aims to strengthen the capacity of international airports to target and intercept high-risk passengers, cargo and mail. AIRCOP also intends to combat the trade of illicit substances and commodities and human trafficking by bolstering inter-agency cooperation and facilitating real-time exchange of information between national, regional and international levels of law enforcement services. Moreover, the programme expedites communication and coordination between origin, transit and destination countries, as well as information sharing between member airports.
Within the broader “Passenger and Container Control Programme (PCCP)”, the AIRCOP project has strived to improve working conditions and career advancement prospects for women in law enforcement through capacity-building efforts and by integrating gender perspectives into broader policy frameworks.
Through these multifaceted efforts, AIRCOP continues to advance gender equality as a fundamental pillar of effective law enforcement, reinforcing its role as a key driver of global security and cooperation.