The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in collaboration with security agencies, has arrested four suspected bandits who reportedly strayed into the vicinity of the runway at Akure Airport in Akure, Ondo State.
The suspects were apprehended on Sunday following a coordinated security operation involving FAAN’s Aviation Security (AVSEC), the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and local security outfits including the Amotekun Corps.
According to an incident report from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the security alert was triggered after Air Traffic Controllers in the airport’s control tower noticed unusual movement near the runway area.
A distress message from an air traffic control staff member indicated that a woman and several young men were seen running from their farmland behind the airport’s operational fence toward the edge of the runway while shouting for help after spotting suspicious men on motorcycles.
Airport security personnel were immediately alerted, prompting aviation security operatives and military personnel to comb nearby forest areas around the Eleyewo community where the suspects were believed to have been hiding.
During the search operation, several individuals were seen attempting to flee the area. Four suspects were eventually apprehended by the joint security team.
Earlier, security operatives had responded to a distress call reporting the presence of suspicious persons behind the airport perimeter, leading to a pursuit by a combined team of AVSEC officers, the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Army, during which one suspect was initially arrested.
The suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command for further interrogation and investigation.
Reacting to the development, Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, confirmed that relevant security authorities, including the Commissioner of Police, the Brigadier General of the nearby Army cantonment and the Military Air Command, were promptly alerted.
She said their coordinated response, alongside aviation security personnel, led to the successful arrest of the suspects.
Kuku also noted that the incident reinforces the need for stronger airport perimeter protection across the country.
According to her, the federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, with the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has accelerated efforts to install modern operational and perimeter fencing as well as enhanced security infrastructure at airports nationwide.
FAAN reassured the travelling public and host communities that it remains committed to maintaining the highest safety and security standards at all airports under its management.