Segun Atanda/
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says four suspected bandits have been arrested within the vicinity of Akure Airport following a coordinated security operation involving aviation security personnel, the military, the police and local security outfits.
FAAN disclosed this in a statement issued late on Sunday by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, who said the suspects were apprehended after a distress alert about suspicious individuals sighted close to the airport perimeter.
“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that four suspected bandits were today apprehended within the vicinity of Akure Airport, Ondo State, following a coordinated security operation involving aviation and local security agencies,” Agbebire said.
According to the authority, the operation was triggered after reports that suspicious individuals had been spotted behind the airport fence towards the Eleyeowo community, prompting an immediate security response.
“The arrest followed a distress alert that suspicious individuals were sighted behind the airport perimeter towards the Eleyeowo community. In response, security personnel comprising FAAN’s Aviation Security, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and other local security outfits immediately launched a joint search operation,” the statement said.
FAAN explained that some of the suspects attempted to escape when security operatives moved into the area.
“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,” Agbebire added.
The authority commended the collaboration among aviation security personnel and other security agencies that participated in the operation.
“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 statement said.
The incident, FAAN noted, underscores the need to strengthen airport perimeter protection across Nigeria’s aviation facilities.
“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 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has accelerated the provision of modern perimeter fencing and enhanced security infrastructure at airports across the country,” the authority stated.
Nigeria’s airports are designated critical national infrastructure and are protected through layered security arrangements coordinated by FAAN and other security agencies.
Aviation security at airports is primarily managed by FAAN’s Aviation Security department, known as AVSEC, which works alongside the armed forces, the police and intelligence agencies to prevent unlawful access to restricted airport areas.
FAAN also said that work to upgrade security infrastructure at airports across the country has already commenced in phases.
“Work has already commenced in phases to ensure that airports under FAAN are better secured against unlawful access and other security threats,” the statement said.
The authority reassured travellers and host communities around airports of its commitment to maintaining safety and security nationwide.
“FAAN reassures the travelling public and airport host communities of its unwavering commitment to maintaining the safety and security of all airport facilities nationwide,” Agbebire said.
Akure Airport serves as the main aviation gateway to Ondo State and neighbouring areas in southwestern Nigeria, handling scheduled commercial flights as well as government and charter operations.
The airport has been part of ongoing federal efforts to strengthen aviation security and upgrade safety infrastructure across the country.
0Related posts:
100 Years of First Aircraft-Landing in Kano: A Need to Reposition Nigeria’s Aviation Ecosystem
FG Presents Buhari’s Scorecard
Internal Security Dynamics and the Imperative of a New Policing Thought in Nigeria
Airport Security Breach: FAAN Identifies Culprit, Beefs up Security
Akanu Ibiam Airport Closed After Enugu Air Aircraft Suffers Nose-Gear Failure on Landing
FG Approves Biometric Flight Boarding, Port Harcourt Airport Concession