Asaba Airport Panic: Police Debunk Terror Attack Report, Reveal Security Simulation
Passengers, airport workers and residents who were alarmed by reports of a suspected terrorist attack at Asaba International Airport, Delta State, have been reassured that no attack or security breach occurred at the airport.
The Airport Police Command said the unusual security activities witnessed at the airport were part of an authorised simulation exercise designed to test how security and emergency-response agencies would react to a possible threat.
The clarification followed reports circulating on social media and other platforms claiming that terrorists had attacked or invaded the airport.
According to the police, the exercise was conducted on Thursday, September 10, 2026, by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to assess the preparedness and response capabilities of security and emergency-response agencies.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 14, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Airport Police Command, Ikeja, Lagos, ASP Mohammed Adeola, said the exercise was designed to test the ability of relevant agencies to respond quickly and effectively to potential security emergencies.
He explained that security personnel and other stakeholders were deployed as part of a controlled scenario that recreated a security incident within the airport environment.
The exercise tested communication channels, emergency response procedures, command and control structures and coordination among the participating agencies.
Adeola stressed that the operation was planned, authorised and controlled, and should not be mistaken for an actual terrorist attack or invasion.
He appealed to members of the public, particularly travellers and airport users, not to panic or share unverified reports capable of creating unnecessary fear.
For passengers who may have seen the heavy security presence and assumed the worst, the police said there was no cause for alarm.
“The security situation at the airport remains under control,” Adeola said, assuring travellers, airport personnel and other stakeholders of the continued vigilance of security agencies.
He said the participating agencies remained committed to protecting passengers, airport workers, facilities and critical infrastructure.
The Airport Police Command also urged members of the public to rely on information from authorised government and security agencies rather than unverified social media reports.
While the incident did not involve a real attack, the police said the simulation was necessary to ensure that security and emergency agencies are better prepared to respond should a genuine threat ever occur.
For airport users, the message is simple: what looked like a security crisis was actually a test designed to ensure that the real crisis never catches authorities unprepared.
