Airport security operation foils suspected bandit activity in Ondo 

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed the arrest of four individuals suspected to be bandits near Akure Airport in Ondo State.

The arrest was the outcome of a coordinated operation between aviation security units and local law enforcement agencies.

FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, revealed that the arrests followed a report of suspicious persons spotted near the airport perimeter close to Eleyewo community.

“Security personnel comprising FAAN’s Aviation Security (AVSEC), the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and other local security outfits immediately launched a joint search operation,” Agbebire said.

Some of the suspects attempted to flee, but all four were eventually captured and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command for further questioning.

FAAN praised 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,” emphasising the ongoing need to reinforce airport perimeter security.

The authority added that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and with backing from the Presidency, has accelerated the installation of modern perimeter fencing and upgraded security infrastructure at airports nationwide.

“Work has already commenced in phases to ensure that airports under FAAN are better secured against unlawful access and other security threats,” Agbebire said, assuring both travellers and airport communities of the authority’s “unwavering commitment to maintaining the safety and security of all airport facilities nationwide.”