Passenger faints during air force training at Lagos airport

A man fainted during the anti-terrorism simulation exercise carried out by the Nigerian Air Force at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Before the simulation, the air force had put out public notice, asking Nigerians not to panic during the exercise.

“The exercise entails armed troops descending from a helicopter flying at low level and movement within the terminal building,” the notice read.

“The exercise may also disrupt free flow of vehicular movement in and out of the airport. Members of the public, particularly air passengers are advised not to panic but go about their normal business.”

On Tuesday, before the simulation began around 11:30am, the airport authorities repeatedly made announcements via public address system.

This did not stop an aged traveller from fainting for few seconds, immediately he heard the sound of gunshots, which were fired during the exercise.

A standby team of paramedics immediately came to the rescue, wheeling the man, who was suspected to be hypertensive out of the waiting area, for quick treatment.

The simulation, which made use of artificial bullets, was aimed at ensuring that the military is all set for any kind of attack on airports across the country.

The exercise, which was adjudged successful, by the travellers and other by-standers, was supported by the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Police, the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Immigration Service, and Nigeria Customs Services.

Sadique Abubakar, chief of Air Staff,  said the exercise was very successful.

He assured Nigerians that the military is capable of protecting the airports in the country.

“From my observation, they have done a good job, there are few gaps here and there which we hope to address,” he said.

Abubakar said the exercise would be done in some other airports across the country.