Fresh questions have emerged following a media report that a woman described as Nigeria’s Ebola index patient was reportedly evacuated from the country aboard a medical evacuation aircraft.
ARISE News reported that the operation occurred early Monday morning at the private jet wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
According to the outlet, which cited sources, the woman was identified as the wife of a Swiss diplomat in Nigeria and was expected to leave the country at about 6 a.m.
The report stated that a medical evacuation aircraft was already waiting at the airport for the planned operation.
ARISE News said its crew at the General Aviation Terminal obtained photographs showing ambulances arriving from Abuja’s city centre in a convoy accompanied by diplomatic vehicles.
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The convoy reportedly consisted of three vehicles, including one belonging to an international agency. The vehicles were said to have proceeded into the airport’s private jet section.
Airport officials allegedly cordoned off the private wing and restricted access during the operation.
The media organisation also reported obtaining video footage showing a medical evacuation aircraft and its crew preparing to transport the passenger.
The unusual nature of the arrangements reportedly led the outlet to suspect that the woman could be connected to a suspected Ebola case.
A source cited in the report allegedly said the Federal Government would announce the evacuation after the aircraft had taken off and departed Nigerian airspace.
However, the report did not establish the passenger’s confirmed identity, destination or present medical condition.
It also did not include an official statement from the Federal Government or relevant health authorities confirming the evacuation.
Although the report has attracted attention because of the seriousness of Ebola-related concerns, the claims remain unconfirmed in the available account. Further clarification from the appropriate authorities would be needed to establish the facts surrounding the reported operation.
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