The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the arrest of four suspected bandits within the vicinity of the Akure Airport in Ondo State following a coordinated security operation involving aviation authorities, the military, police, and local security groups.
According to FAAN, the suspects were apprehended on Sunday after a distress alert was raised by security personnel who spotted suspicious individuals behind the airport perimeter fence towards the Eleyewo community.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of FAAN, Henry Agbebire, the authority said the arrest was the result of a swift joint security response involving multiple agencies tasked with safeguarding critical aviation infrastructure.
“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that four suspected bandits were today apprehended within the vicinity of Akure Airport, Ondo State, following a coordinated security operation involving aviation and local security agencies,” Agbebire stated.
He explained that the incident began after security officials received intelligence indicating that suspicious individuals had been sighted behind the airport perimeter toward the Eleyewo axis.
“The arrest followed a distress alert that suspicious individuals were sighted behind the airport perimeter towards the Eleyewo community. In response, security personnel comprising 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.”
During the operation, security operatives reportedly noticed several individuals attempting to escape from the area as the search team closed in.
“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,” Agbebire said.
The aviation authority commended the rapid response and collaboration among the various security agencies involved in the operation, noting that the synergy played a crucial role in preventing a potential security breach around the airport facility.
“FAAN commends the swift collaboration among aviation security personnel, the military, the police, and local security groups, including Amotekun and community vigilantes, whose joint efforts led to the arrest,” the statement noted.
The agency further stressed that the development underscores the urgent need to reinforce airport perimeter protection across Nigeria’s aviation facilities.
According to FAAN, the Federal Government has already begun steps to strengthen airport security infrastructure nationwide.
“The incident further highlights the importance of strengthening airport perimeter protection. Consequently, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, with the support of the Presidency under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has accelerated the provision of modern perimeter fencing and enhanced security infrastructure at airports across the country.”
FAAN revealed that work on the upgraded security architecture has already commenced in phases in several airports under its management.
“Work has already commenced in phases to ensure that airports under FAAN are better secured against unlawful access and other security threats,” the agency added.
Reassuring passengers and residents of host communities around airports, FAAN emphasized that safeguarding aviation infrastructure remains a top priority for the agency.
“FAAN reassures the travelling public and airport host communities of its unwavering commitment to maintaining the safety and security of all airport facilities nationwide,” Agbebire said.