The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed the arrest of four suspected bandits near the Akure Airport in Ondo State after a coordinated security operation involving aviation authorities, security agencies, and local vigilante groups.
According to FAAN, the suspects were arrested on Sunday after airport security officials raised an alarm upon noticing suspicious individuals behind the airport’s perimeter fence toward the Eleyewo community.
In a statement released by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, the agency explained that the arrests followed a swift response by multiple security agencies responsible for protecting aviation infrastructure.
“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that four suspected bandits were apprehended today within the vicinity of Akure Airport, Ondo State, following a coordinated security operation involving aviation and local security agencies,” Agbebire stated.
He noted that the operation began after intelligence reports indicated the presence of suspicious individuals around the airport perimeter near the Eleyewo axis.
“The arrest followed a distress alert reporting that suspicious individuals had been sighted behind the airport perimeter toward the Eleyewo community. In response, security personnel made up of FAAN’s Aviation Security (AVSEC), the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and other local security outfits immediately launched a joint search operation,” he said.
During the operation, some individuals reportedly attempted to escape as the security team advanced on the area.
“During the search operation, several individuals were seen trying to flee the area. Four suspects were eventually apprehended by the joint security team and have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command for further interrogation,” Agbebire added.
FAAN commended the swift collaboration among the various security agencies involved, noting that their coordinated efforts helped prevent a possible security breach around the airport.
The agency also emphasized that the incident highlights the need for stronger protection of airport perimeters across the country.
According to FAAN, the Federal Government has already initiated measures to upgrade airport security infrastructure nationwide.
“The incident further underscores the importance of strengthening airport perimeter protection. Consequently, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, with support from the Presidency under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has accelerated efforts to provide modern perimeter fencing and enhanced security infrastructure at airports across Nigeria,” the statement said.
FAAN added that the security upgrade is already being implemented in phases at several airports under its management.
“Work has already commenced in phases to ensure that airports under FAAN’s management are better protected against unlawful access and other security threats,” the agency stated.
Reassuring passengers and communities around airport facilities, FAAN reiterated its commitment to maintaining safety and security across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“FAAN reassures the travelling public and host communities of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all airport facilities nationwide,” Agbebire said.
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