A security mock exercise
organised by management of
the Federal Airport Authority
of Nigeria (FAAN), at the
Sultan Abubakar III
International Airport, Sokoto
has caused panic of bomb
treat among passengers and
residents.
The exercise according to the
management was carried out
to awake the consciousness
of all security agencies
manning the airport,
especially the police on how
best they are prepared in
case of such treat within the
vicinity.
A source told Daily Sun that
the FAAN security personnel
have concealed a cylinder
fire-extinguisher in a black
lyon with electrical wire
attached to it, before alerting
the passengers of a possible
bomb threat.
A staff who spoke on the
condition of anonymity said
the ‘bomb’ was placed in the
terminal building near the VIP
seats as early as 6am before
other airport users began to
arrive for duty.
The action however caused a
pandemonium among
passengers and their relatives
who are waiting for their
various flight schedules, as
they scampered for safety.
A team of anti-bomb squad
from the State Police
Command later arrived the
scene after contact was to
them. They were however
disappointed upon discovery
that the scenario was a mere
exercise.
The state commissioner of
police, Alhaji Salisu Abdullahi
who arrived the scene faulted
the communication
arrangement of the FAAN. He
suggested that the
management could have
briefed him before carrying
out such exercise, so as to
minimise rumours and panics
among the populace.
Speaking to newsmen, he
noted that the decision to
keep the police in the dark
could not be faulted but he,
as the Commissioner of
Police should have been
briefed in person before
embarking on the exercise.
“I think the organisers have
observed some of the lapses
on their part, especially in the
area of communication
because causing unnecessary
panic among residents at this
period is not a welcome idea.
He confirmed that there was
no bomb scare at the airport,
contrary to rumours making
rounds in the state, adding
that “we will continued to live
up to our statutory
responsibility which is to
safeguard lives and property.”
The Airport Manager of the
Sokoto airport, Alhaji
Abubakar Lawal, allayed the
fear of the public, stressing
that there was no bomb
scare at the airport.
According to him, this was
the first time the airport
organised a security mock
exercise and was glad the
way and manner security
agencies showed concern
and support.
He said there was no need for
the public to panic, as it was
just an exercise to test the
preparedness of the airport
security, air force, bomb
disposal unit and security
agencies in case such thing
occur.
“I want to let the public know
that this is just an empty can
that we put inside a bag and
kept it at the terminal
building.
“It is just a mock exercise
and we are doing this in good
faith to test the preparedness
of the airport security and
security agencies in the state
to respond to this in case it
occurs,”he said.
source; http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=105317

Na mumu exercise be dat,y dem no wait till airport close?. God save dem sey hypertensive person no dey around,dey for speak English for court tired.

Hmmmmm