How security operatives arrested 4 bandits near Akure Airport

Security operatives have arrested four suspected bandits following a security breach near the runway area of Akure Airport in Ondo State. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when some farmers and a woman were seen running from farmland behind the airport’s operational fence toward the edge of the runway while shouting for help. According to […]

Security operatives have arrested four suspected bandits following a security breach near the runway area of Akure Airport in Ondo State.

The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when some farmers and a woman were seen running from farmland behind the airport’s operational fence toward the edge of the runway while shouting for help.

According to an incident report, the individuals told authorities they had sighted men on motorcycles suspected to be bandits approaching their farm.

It was learnt that Air Traffic Controllers in the control tower noticed the unusual activity and quickly alerted airport security personnel.

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Operatives of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) unit, working with troops of the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Army stationed around the airport, immediately launched a search operation in the surrounding forest area.

Security operatives subsequently combed the nearby bush and arrested four suspects believed to be connected with the intrusion. The suspects were later handed over to the police for further interrogation at the area command.

Sources said the suspects had earlier chased farmers from nearby farmland, forcing them to run toward the runway area before security agencies intervened.

Before the arrests, security operatives had received a distress call indicating that suspicious individuals were sighted behind the airport near the Eleyewo community.

Troops comprising Aviation Security officers, the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Army were deployed to pursue the suspects. One suspect was initially arrested before the wider search operation led to the capture of three others.

Confirming the development, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, said the airport authority immediately alerted key security formations including the state police command and the Brigade Commander of the nearby army cantonment.

She explained that the security agencies, working in collaboration with FAAN’s Aviation Security unit, carried out a coordinated operation that resulted in the successful arrest of the suspects.

Kuku added that the incident highlights the importance of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen airport security infrastructure nationwide.

She disclosed that FAAN is accelerating the construction of operational and perimeter fencing at airports across the country to prevent unauthorised access and enhance aviation safety.

In another statement signed by Henry Agbebire, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN commended 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 added: “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.

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

“FAAN reassures the travelling public and airport host communities of its unwavering commitment to maintaining the safety and security of all airport facilities nationwide.”