Asaba Airport Panic: Police Debunk Terror Attack Reports, Explain What Happened

The Airport Command of the Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports of a terrorist attack or security breach at the Asaba International Airport, clarifying that the security activities witnessed at the facility were part of an authorised simulation exercise.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Airport Police Command, Ikeja, ASP Mohammed Adeola, explained in a statement on Monday that the exercise was conducted by the Office of the National Security Adviser on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

The exercise was designed to test and strengthen the preparedness and response capabilities of security and emergency-response agencies in the event of a potential security emergency.

Adeola explained that the simulation was aimed at assessing the level of inter-agency coordination and the effectiveness of the various security agencies in responding to possible threats within an airport environment.

As part of the exercise, security personnel and other relevant stakeholders were deployed to recreate a simulated security incident at the airport. The operation allowed participating agencies to test their existing response mechanisms, communication systems, command structures and ability to coordinate effectively during an emergency.

The Police Command stressed that the exercise was carefully planned, controlled and authorised, urging members of the public not to mistake the simulated incident for an actual terrorist attack or invasion of the airport.

The Command also appealed to travellers, airport users and the general public to disregard reports circulating on social media and other platforms suggesting that the airport had been attacked.

It warned against the spread of unverified information, noting that such reports could create unnecessary fear and panic among members of the public.

The Police reassured passengers, airport workers and other stakeholders that the security situation at the airport remained under control, adding that relevant security agencies continued to maintain vigilance and were committed to protecting lives, facilities and everyone within the airport environment.