The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has arrested four suspected bandits at Akure Airport in Ondo State, South-West Nigeria.
A statement signed by FAAN spokesperson Henry Agbebire said the operation involved a coordinated joint response by aviation and local security agencies.
All four suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command for further interrogation.
How FAAN Arrested the Bandits at Akure Airport
FAAN confirmed the arrests followed a distress alert that suspicious individuals had been sighted behind the airport perimeter toward the Eleyewo community.
Additionally, security personnel comprising FAAN’s Aviation Security, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and other local security outfits immediately launched a joint search operation.
During the operation, some individuals were seen attempting to flee the area.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) 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. 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, 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. 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 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.“
The Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun, and community vigilantes all participated in the coordinated sweep.
What it Means
The FAAN bandits arrested Akure Airport incident highlights the urgent need for stronger airport perimeter protection across Nigeria.
Additionally, the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and with direct support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accelerated the provision of modern perimeter fencing at airports nationwide.
Work has already commenced in phases to better secure all FAAN-managed airports against unlawful access and security threats.
The Akure Airport arrest marks a decisive moment in Nigeria’s broader airport security reform programme.
