FAAN confirms arrest of four suspected bandits near Akure airport

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed the arrest of four suspected bandits within the vicinity of Akure Airport following a coordinated security operation involving aviation and local security agencies.

In a statement posted on its X handle on Sunday and signed by Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the authority said the arrest followed a distress alert indicating that suspicious individuals had been sighted behind the airport perimeter towards the Eleyewo community.

According to the statement, 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 in response to the alert.

During the operation, some individuals were seen attempting to flee the area. Four suspects were eventually apprehended by the joint security team and subsequently handed over to the police area command for further interrogation.

FAAN commended the swift collaboration among aviation security personnel, the military, the police, and local security groups, including Amotekun Corps and community vigilantes, whose joint efforts led to the successful arrest.

The authority said the incident highlights the importance of strengthening airport perimeter protection. It added that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, with the support of the Presidency under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has accelerated the provision of modern perimeter fencing and enhanced security infrastructure at airports across the country.

“The arrest followed a distress alert that suspicious individuals were sighted behind the airport perimeter towards the Eleyewo community. 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,” the statement read

FAAN disclosed that work has already commenced in phases to ensure that airports under its management are better secured against unlawful access and other security threats.

The authority reassured the travelling public and airport host communities of its commitment to maintaining the safety and security of all airport facilities nationwide.