No Bandits Arrested At Akure Airport – Ondo Police Counter FAAN

The Ondo State command of the Nigerian Police Force has dismissed reports that four bandits were arrested at the Akure Airport, contradicting an earlier statement issued by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The police said the claim was inaccurate and clarified that no security breach occurred at the airport facility.

In a statement released on Monday, March 16, the command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said reports suggesting that armed bandits were arrested at the airport were false.

Jimoh emphasised that the situation being circulated in the media and on social platforms had been misunderstood.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Command wishes to state clearly that no such incident occurred at the Akure Airport, and there was no security breach of any kind at the facility,” the statement read.

The police explained that the confusion arose from intelligence received about suspected kidnappers operating around the Eleyewo axis of Akure, which is several kilometres away from the airport.

Acting on the tip-off, officers reportedly launched a targeted security operation in the area.

The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, who investigators said were linked to the logistics and supply network of kidnapping gangs operating within the state.

According to the police, the suspects were not bandits arrested within the airport premises as earlier reported.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects are Kidnap Logistics Suppliers aiding kidnap activities within the state.

“They have since made useful confessional statements that are currently aiding ongoing investigations and efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal network,” the statement added.

The command urged members of the public to disregard claims suggesting that bandits were arrested at the airport, describing the reports as “false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic.”

The police also reassured residents and travellers that security around critical infrastructure in the state, including the airport, remains intact and uncompromised.

According to the command, security agencies continue to monitor activities in the area and are committed to preventing criminal activities.

FAAN Earlier Announced Arrests

Earlier, FAAN had issued a statement titled “FAAN AVSEC, others arrest bandits at Akure Airport.”

In the statement released on Sunday, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, said the arrests followed a distress alert about suspicious individuals sighted behind the airport perimeter toward the Eleyewo community.

Agbebire stated that security operatives observed suspicious movements in the area and responded swiftly.

According to him, some of the suspects attempted to escape when approached by security personnel.

However, four individuals were eventually apprehended and handed over to the police Area Command for further interrogation.

FAAN commended the joint efforts of various security agencies and local groups in responding to the alert.

The authority said collaboration among security personnel, including the Amotekun Corps and community vigilante groups, contributed to the successful arrest of the suspects.

The aviation authority also addressed a viral image circulating online, which purportedly showed a violent incident at the airport.

FAAN described the image as entirely false and unrelated to any event at the airport.

“This image is entirely false and does not represent any incident at Akure Airport. No gory scene occurred as depicted,” the authority said.

The conflicting statements from FAAN and the police have generated confusion among residents and travellers regarding the true nature of the incident.

However, both agencies have insisted that there was no security breach at the airport and urged the public not to panic.

Meanwhile, FAAN disclosed that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and with the support of the Presidency, has accelerated the installation of modern perimeter fencing and improved security infrastructure across airports nationwide.

The initiative, according to the authority, is part of broader efforts to strengthen airport security and prevent unlawful access or potential attacks on aviation facilities.

The State Police Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order across the state.

It also urged residents to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to assist ongoing investigations into kidnapping and other criminal activities.

“The Commissioner of Police appreciates the vigilance and cooperation of citizens and reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Ondo State,” the statement added.