Four Suspected Bandits Arrested Near Akure Airport After Joint Security Operation

Akure,  Ondo State– The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed the arrest of four suspected bandits within the vicinity of Akure Airport following a coordinated security operation involving aviation security officials, the military, the police, and local security outfits.

The suspects were apprehended on Monday after security agencies received intelligence indicating that suspicious individuals had been sighted around the airport perimeter, particularly behind the facility towards the Eleyewo community in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of FAAN, Henry Agbebire, the agency said the arrest followed a distress alert that triggered an immediate multi-agency security response around the airport environment.

Agbebire explained that upon receiving the alert, security personnel quickly mobilised and launched a joint search operation in the area to prevent any potential security breach around the airport.

“The arrest followed a distress alert that suspicious individuals were sighted behind the airport perimeter towards the Eleyewo community,” Agbebire said.

“Following the alert, security personnel comprising FAAN’s Aviation Security (AVSEC), the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and other local security outfits immediately launched a joint search operation.”

According to the FAAN spokesperson, the suspects attempted to escape when they noticed the advancing security team during the operation.

“During the operation, some individuals were seen attempting 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,” he added.

FAAN commended the swift collaboration among aviation security personnel and other security agencies whose coordinated action led to the successful arrest of the suspects before they could carry out any unlawful activity.

The agency specifically praised the efforts of local security groups that participated in the operation, including the Ondo State security outfit, Amotekun Corps, as well as community vigilantes who supported the search efforts around the airport’s perimeter communities.

According to FAAN, the incident underscores the urgent need to further strengthen airport perimeter protection across the country to prevent unlawful access and security threats around aviation facilities.

The authority disclosed that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has intensified efforts to upgrade security infrastructure at airports nationwide.

FAAN noted that the initiative is being implemented with the backing of the Presidency under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as part of broader measures to modernise aviation security systems and ensure the safety of passengers and airport communities.

“The incident further highlights the importance of strengthening airport perimeter protection,” Agbebire stated.

“Consequently, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, with the support of the Presidency under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has accelerated the provision of modern perimeter fencing and enhanced security infrastructure at airports across the country.”

He added that the airport security upgrade programme is already underway and is being implemented in phases at facilities managed by FAAN.

“Work has already commenced in phases to ensure that airports under FAAN are better secured against unlawful access and other security threats,” he said.

FAAN also reassured travellers and host communities that the authority remains fully committed to maintaining the safety and security of airport facilities nationwide.

“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria reassures the travelling public and airport host communities of its unwavering commitment to maintaining the safety and security of all airport facilities nationwide,” the statement added.