AVSECOM Renamed as Aviation and Port Security Command Under New Directive

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has restructured the Aviation Security Command (AVSECOM), expanding its mandate beyond airports to include the security of all ports operated by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL).

According to a directive issued on Sunday, AVSECOM has been renamed the Aviation and Port Security Command, bringing both aviation and seaport security under a single government agency. The President’s Office said the restructuring aims to establish a stronger, unified security management system for international seaports and port facilities across the country.

Government agencies have been instructed to continue using reference number 453 for all correspondence with the newly renamed command, maintaining the same identifier previously assigned to AVSECOM.

The Aviation Security Command was originally established on 1 January 2013 during the administration of former President Dr. Mohamed Waheed, following a cabinet decision. Its initial mandate focused on formulating aviation security policies and procedures in line with national aviation laws.

Until this change, MPL was responsible for securing the ports it operates, including Male’ Commercial Harbour, Hulhumale’ Harbour, Kulhudhuffushi Port, and Hithadhoo Port in Addu City.

The shift in responsibility follows a major theft at Hulhumale’ Port earlier this year, where two containers of cigarettes seized by Customs on 26 April were stolen. The case was reported to police on 9 October, and an MPL employee was among those arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

The government has not yet announced when the Aviation and Port Security Command will assume full operational control of MPL‑managed ports, but the restructuring marks one of the most significant changes to national port security oversight in recent years.