- Urges calm
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced plans to temporarily close sections of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Road in Lagos on Saturday, October 19, 2025, to facilitate a routine military exercise aimed at testing and strengthening its operational readiness in the country’s busiest aviation corridor.
According to a statement issued by the NAF Headquarters in Lagos, the planned exercise forms part of the Force’s quarterly operational drills designed to evaluate the preparedness and coordination of its air and ground response units in real-time emergency scenarios.
NAF emphasised that the exercise is a simulation drill and not a response to any immediate threat. The Force urged Lagos residents, commuters, and air travelers not to panic at the sight or sound of military aircraft or personnel during the operation.
The exercise, which will take place between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., will lead to partial traffic restrictions on the Ikeja–Mafoluku–MMIA route. Traffic management officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and the Nigeria Police Force will be deployed to manage diversions and ensure smooth vehicular movement around the airport corridor.
NAF advised road users to plan their trips accordingly, noting that designated alternative routes will be made available throughout the duration of the operation. Airport officials also assured that all flight schedules would remain unaffected as access to the terminals would be restored once each phase of the exercise concludes.
Security analysts note that Lagos, which handles more than 60% of Nigeria’s air traffic, is a critical zone for national security and requires constant surveillance and readiness checks. The NAF’s routine simulation exercises help assess the response time and tactical coordination between air defence units, ground troops, and emergency agencies in case of airspace violations, terrorist threats, or civil emergencies.
Military officials say such exercises are part of a broader national strategy to improve inter-agency coordination between the Air Force, the Nigerian Army, the Navy, the Police, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in securing critical infrastructure across the country.
A senior NAF officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters that similar drills have been successfully conducted in Abuja, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt, focusing on rapid deployment, air defence alertness, and civilian safety.
“We cannot afford complacency, especially in an environment like Lagos, where the concentration of infrastructure, population, and air activity is very high. Routine exercises like this ensure we are always ready to respond to emergencies within minutes”, the officer stated.
NAF reiterated its commitment to minimising public inconvenience during the exercise. Residents are advised to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel who will be stationed along affected routes. Motorists are also encouraged to obey temporary diversions and avoid unnecessary gatherings near restricted areas.
“The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the understanding and cooperation of Lagos residents and travellers. These drills are conducted for the collective safety and security of all Nigerians”, the statement added.
While the temporary closure may cause mild disruption to traffic flow, the scheduled exercise underscores the Air Force’s proactive approach to maintaining national security readiness. It reflects an ongoing effort to strengthen response capabilities around critical infrastructure and ensure that the nation’s busiest aviation hub remains safe, secure, and well-protected.