The Airport Police Command has dismissed reports of a terrorist attack at Asaba International Airport, describing the activity witnessed there as a planned security drill. The exercise was conducted by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Thursday, 10 September 2026, to assess security preparedness and inter-agency response capabilities.
The Airport Police Command said there was no terrorist attack or security breach at the airport. It therefore urged travellers, airport users and members of the public to disregard reports suggesting that the facility was attacked or invaded. According to the Command, the security drill was an authorised exercise designed to test existing security and emergency-response arrangements.
Security Drill Tests Asaba Airport Response
The security drill recreated a simulated security incident within the airport environment under controlled conditions. Security personnel and other relevant stakeholders participated in the coordinated response. The exercise was designed to test how participating agencies would react to a potential emergency while assessing their existing response mechanisms.
In addition, the security drill tested communication channels between participating agencies. It also examined command and control structures during a simulated security incident. The Airport Police Command said these elements were important for assessing the preparedness of agencies responsible for responding to emergencies at critical airport infrastructure.
The exercise was therefore not an actual attack, invasion or security breach. Instead, it provided an opportunity for participating agencies to assess their readiness under simulated emergency conditions. The Command stressed that the controlled nature of the security drill should prevent the activities from being mistaken for a real terrorist incident.
The clarification follows reports and narratives circulating across social media and other platforms. Those reports suggested that a terrorist attack had occurred at Asaba International Airport. However, the Airport Police Command said the reports were false and did not reflect what happened at the airport.
Command Reassures Travellers
The Airport Police Command has consequently appealed to members of the public to avoid circulating unverified information about security incidents. It said such reports could create unnecessary fear and panic among travellers, airport personnel and other airport users.
The Command also reassured the public that the security situation at the airport remains under control. It added that relevant security agencies remain vigilant and committed to protecting passengers, airport personnel, airport facilities and other stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the Command encouraged the public to rely on information released by authorised government and security agencies. It said verified information remains important when security-related activities or incidents occur at critical infrastructure such as airports.
The security drill formed part of efforts to strengthen national security preparedness. Such exercises allow participating agencies to test their coordination and response capabilities under simulated emergency conditions.
The Command further encouraged public support for ongoing efforts aimed at safeguarding critical airport infrastructure. It said members of the public should help prevent the spread of information that could create unnecessary alarm.
The Airport Police Command said the public should therefore treat reports of a terrorist attack at Asaba International Airport as false. It reiterated that the activities witnessed on 10 September were connected to the ONSA-led security drill.
ASP Mohammed Adeola, Police Public Relations Officer, signed the clarification on behalf of the Airport Police Command. The Command maintained that the exercise was authorised, controlled and conducted to strengthen preparedness, response capabilities and coordination among relevant agencies.
The Airport Police Command has therefore urged travellers and other airport users to remain calm and rely on verified information from authorised security and government sources. It also reaffirmed the commitment of relevant agencies to maintaining safety and security at the airport.
