Adebayo Adenrele
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced and confirmed the arrest of four suspected bandits at Akure Airport in Ondo State.
The arrest, according to the authority was made possible by a coordinated security operation involving aviation and local security agencies.
This was contained in a statement signed and made available to journalists by the authority’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire.
He said the operation was launched following a distress alert that suspicious individuals were sighted behind the airport perimeter towards the Eleyewo community.
he statement read in part, “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 swung into action, conducting a joint search operation”.
The statement also revealed that during the operation, some individuals were seen attempting to flee the area, but four suspects were eventually apprehended by the joint security team and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command for further interrogation.
FAAN commended the collaboration among security personnel, the military, the police, and local security groups, including Amotekun and community vigilantes, whose joint efforts led to the arrest.
The incident has highlighted the importance of strengthening airport perimeter protection.
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, with the support of the Presidency under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 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 reassured the travelling public and airport host communities of its commitment to maintaining the safety and security of all airport facilities nationwide.
