Security operatives arrest four suspected bandits at Akure airport

Security operatives have arrested four suspected bandits at the Akure Airport in Ondo State following a joint security operation around the facility.

In a statement issued late Sunday, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said the suspects were apprehended during a coordinated operation involving aviation and local security agencies.

According to the statement signed by Henry Adegbire, FAAN’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, the individuals were first spotted behind the airport perimeter close to the Eleyewo community.

Adegbire said security personnel drawn from FAAN’s Aviation Security (AVSEC), the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and other local security outfits immediately launched a search operation after the suspicious movement was reported.

During the operation, some individuals reportedly attempted to flee the area, but four suspects were eventually arrested by the joint security team.

The suspects have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command for further interrogation.

FAAN commended the swift collaboration among aviation security personnel, the military, the police, and local security groups including Amotekun and community vigilantes for their role in the arrests.

The agency noted that the incident highlights the need to strengthen security around airport perimeters, adding that phased measures are already underway to improve protection across airports managed by FAAN.

FAAN also reassured travellers and host communities of its commitment to maintaining the safety and security of airport facilities nationwide.

The arrest comes amid rising security concerns in parts of Ondo State.

On March 3, protesters from Ayede Ogbese community in Akure North Local Government Area blocked the Akure Owo Benin highway to protest persistent killings and abductions.

Similarly, on March 10, residents of Ilu Abo and neighbouring communities barricaded the Akure Owo expressway over increasing cases of kidnapping.

During the protest, demonstrators placed the remains of a suspected kidnap victim on the highway while chanting solidarity songs, worsening traffic on the busy road linking southern and northern parts of the country.