The Ondo State Police Command has refuted claims that four bandits were arrested at Akure Airport, describing the reports as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic.
This follows a disclosure by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Sunday that four suspected bandits were apprehended within the vicinity of Akure Airport after a coordinated security operation involving aviation and local security agencies.
However, in a statement issued on Monday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, noted that no such incident occurred at Akure Airport and that there was no security breach at the facility.
“The Command, however, received credible intelligence from a concerned citizen regarding the activities of suspected kidnappers around the Eleyewo axis of Akure. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, operatives of the Command launched a targeted operation in the area which led to the arrest of two suspects.
“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,” DSP Jimoh said.
The Command urged members of the public to disregard the inaccurate reports suggesting that bandits were arrested at the Akure Airport, while reassuring residents that security around critical infrastructure, including the airport, remains intact and uncompromised.
It also encouraged the public to continue with their lawful activities without fear and to always provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
The Ondo Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, appreciated the vigilance and cooperation of citizens and reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of the state.
Meanwhile, FAAN had earlier stated that the arrests followed a distress alert that suspicious individuals were sighted behind the airport perimeter towards the Eleyewo community.
According to a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, security personnel immediately responded to the alert.
“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,” Agbebire said.
The Authority commended the swift collaboration among aviation security personnel, the military, the police, and local security groups, including Amotekun and community vigilantes, which led to the arrest.
Agbebire noted that the incident highlights the importance of strengthening airport perimeter protection, while declaring that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has accelerated the provision of modern perimeter fencing and enhanced security infrastructure at airports across the country.
He disclosed that work has already commenced in phases to ensure that airports under FAAN are better secured against unlawful access and other security threats.
The Authority also reassured the travelling public and airport host communities of its unwavering commitment to maintaining the safety and security of all airport facilities nationwide.
