KEY POINTS

• Four suspected bandits were arrested near Akure Airport after allegedly attempting to infiltrate the facility to hijack an aircraft.

• The suspects were apprehended during a joint operation involving the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, and Nigeria Police Force.

• Authorities say security measures at airports nationwide will be strengthened amid rising insecurity around Akure and neighbouring communities.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has confirmed the arrest of four suspected bandits who were allegedly planning to infiltrate the premises of Akure Airport in Ondo State.

Security sources revealed that the suspects were believed to be plotting to breach the airport’s perimeter and hijack an aircraft before they were intercepted by security operatives. Their arrest followed a swift and coordinated operation by aviation and local security agencies working around the airport facility.

According to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the operation was launched after authorities received a distress alert reporting suspicious individuals behind the airport’s perimeter fence towards the Eleyewo community.

A joint security team immediately mobilised to the location and intercepted the suspects. The team reportedly included personnel from the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Police Force.

Officials said the suspects attempted to escape upon sighting security operatives but were eventually apprehended during the operation.

FAAN reassures public over airport safety

Reacting to the development, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, commended the swift collaboration between aviation authorities and security agencies that led to the successful arrest.

He emphasised that the authority remains committed to safeguarding all aviation facilities across the country and ensuring the safety of travellers and communities around airport environments.

According to him, FAAN will continue to strengthen security coordination with relevant agencies to prevent threats to aviation infrastructure nationwide.

The incident has also drawn attention to the growing security concerns around Akure and its surrounding communities. Reports indicate that several security incidents have occurred within a 20-kilometre radius of the airport over the past three weeks.

These developments have heightened fears about the security situation in Akure North and other parts of the state.

In response to these concerns, the Federal Government is reportedly accelerating efforts to upgrade airport security nationwide. Plans include the installation of modern perimeter fencing and the deployment of enhanced surveillance and security infrastructure to strengthen protection at airport facilities.