Panic Over False Alarm: Asaba airport incident revealed as routine drill

The Airport Police Command has clarified that no terrorist attack or security breach occurred at Asaba International Airport, contrary to reports and narratives currently circulating on social media and other platforms.

The Command, in a statement by Police Public Relations Officer, Airport Police Command, Mohammed Adeola, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, disclosed that the security activities witnessed at the airport were part of a planned and coordinated security simulation exercise conducted by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), carried out last week Thursday and designed to assess and strengthen the preparedness, response capabilities, and inter-agency coordination of relevant security and emergency-response agencies.

He explained that the simulation involved deploying security personnel and other relevant stakeholders to recreate a simulated security incident within the airport environment to test existing response mechanisms, communication channels, command and control structures, and the ability of participating agencies to respond effectively to potential security emergencies.

The exercise, he said, was therefore a controlled and authorised activity and should not be misconstrued as an actual terrorist attack or invasion of the airport.

He said, “The Airport Police Command consequently urges members of the public, particularly travellers and airport users, to disregard the false narrative and refrain from circulating unverified information capable of creating unnecessary fear and panic.”

He reassured the public that the security situation at the airport remains under control and that all relevant security agencies remain vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety and security of passengers, airport personnel, facilities, and other stakeholders.

“The Command encourages members of the public to rely on verified information from authorised government and security agencies and to support ongoing efforts to strengthen national security preparedness and safeguard critical airport infrastructure.

Wole Shadare