There was anxiety and suspense among stakeholders during a mock search and rescue operation conducted at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, on Saturday.

The exercise was to test the preparedness of rescue officers and emergency responders for rescue operation when an aircraft accident or incident occurs.

Several agencies involved in search and rescue participated in the exercise coordinated by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

Agencies that participated in the exercise included the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Air Force, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Lagos Emergency Service Agency (LASEMA) and other emergency service providers.

Daily Trust observed that there was a huge smoke of fire along the airport road following a bonfire set for the exercise, raising fear and apprehension from motorists, passersby and those living within the precinct of the airport.

This was followed by movement of fire-fighting trucks from different directions of the airport. One of the trucks came out from an emergency exit along the perimeter fence of the airport.

The exercise was conducted along the flight path where most domestic and international flights take off.

Coordinator of the Search Mission, Mr. Abayomi Agoro who addressed the stakeholders after the exercise described the exercise as “a critical Aeronautical Search and Rescue Mock Exercise and a significant event in our ongoing commitment to aviation safety and emergency preparedness.”

He stated that Search and Rescue (SAR) “is not just a statutory responsibility” but a sacred duty and the assurance to pilots, crew members and passenger that in the face of unforeseen challenges, a capable and coordinated response will be activated without hesitation.

“Our ability to respond rapidly, accurately, and effectively in the event of an air incident can mean the difference between tragedy and survival.

“Today’s mock exercise is not merely a drill, it is a simulation of readiness, a practical demonstration of our synergy across multiple agencies: the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Air Force, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other emergency service providers. It is an opportunity to test our operational plans, communication frameworks, inter-agency collaboration, and on-ground effectiveness.

He highlighted other benefits of the exercise to include Evaluation and Improvement; training and familiarity and stakeholder confidence.

He said with the exercise, stakeholders would be able to identify gaps in their current response strategies and improve them before a real incident ever occurs.

Agoro added, “Our goal is zero tolerance for uncoordinated or delayed response in emergency situations. We must ensure that every distress signal is met with an immediate, intelligent, and well-coordinated action — because lives depend on it.

“Let me sincerely appreciate the efforts of all agencies and individuals who have worked tirelessly to put this event together. I also commend all participants and observers here today for your commitment to strengthening our SAR capabilities.

“Let us take this exercise seriously, observe critically, and provide honest feedback — because the lessons we learn here may someday be the tools that save lives.”

Also speaking, Air Traffic Operations Manager, MMIA, Mr. Zubair Issa added that the exercise provided an opportunity to observe gaps in search and rescue operations.

He explained that in the course of the mock exercise, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) which is always in contact with the aircraft was able to contact every agency involved in search and rescue.

He stated that the military was involved in the exercise to provide cover and reduce civilian interference during a real search and rescue operation.

“The issue of coordination generally has to do with the tower because the tower is the one that gets information about the aircraft because the ATC communicates with the pilot. So when the thing happens, those that were supposed to be on ground were on ground,” he said. (Weekend Trust)