Security agencies, in a joint operation with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security (AVSEC), on Sunday, apprehended four suspected bandits at the Akure Airport.
They have been handed over to the Police for further interrogation.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Henry Agbebire, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, saying that the suspects were spotted behind the airport perimeter near the Eleyewo community.
According to the statement, an air traffic controller who sighted the suspects from the air traffic control tower and who described them as ‘bandits’ said they pursued farmers from their farmland into the runway of Akure airport and alerted security personnel, AVSEC and the Nigeria Air Force, who combed the nearby forest, leading to the arrest of four of the bandits.
The statement read, “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) wishes to inform the public that four suspected bandits were apprehended today within the vicinity of Akure Airport, Ondo State, following a coordinated security operation involving aviation and local security agencies.
“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.
“FAAN commends 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.
“The incident further highlights the importance of strengthening airport perimeter protection. Consequently, 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 reassures the travelling public and airport host communities of its unwavering commitment to maintaining the safety and security of all airport facilities nationwide.”
The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said: “We have alerted the CP, the Brig. General of the Army Cantonment, the MAC and their men. They are all involved in collaboration with AVSEC.
“The joint operation was successful as four suspects were apprehended, and they have been handed over to the police. This is the reason the president and the minister have accelerated the establishment of operational and perimeter fences at the airports.”
Credit: Nigerian Tribune