Confusion as Police Debunk FAAN’s Claim of ‘Bandit Arrests’ at Akure Airport

A major communication gap has emerged between federal and state security agencies following a reported security operation near the Akure Airport.

While the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced the arrest of four “bandits,” the Ondo State Police Command has officially dismissed the claim, describing the report as misleading.

The controversy began late Sunday, March 15, 2026, when FAAN issued a statement through its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire.

The authority claimed that a joint team of Aviation Security (AVSEC), the military, and police had intercepted four suspected bandits after they were sighted lurking around the airport’s perimeter fence near the Eleyewo community.

Police Counter: “Kidnap Suppliers, Not Bandits”

In a swift rebuttal on Monday morning, March 16, the Ondo State Police Command clarified that while an operation did take place, it was not at the airport, nor did it involve “bandits.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, stated that the command acted on a tip-off regarding kidnapping activities in the Eleyewo axis, located several kilometers away from the airport facility. He confirmed that two suspects—not four—were apprehended.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Command wishes to state clearly that no such incident occurred at the Akure Airport, and there was no security breach of any kind at the facility,” Jimoh stated.

He further explained that the arrested individuals were “kidnap logistics suppliers” who were assisting criminal networks within the state, rather than active bandits attempting to breach the airport.

FAAN Stands by Security Alerts

Despite the police clarification, FAAN maintains that its security protocols were triggered by a genuine “distress alert.”

According to the agency, farmers working near the airport had fled toward the runway after sighting armed men on motorcycles, which led air traffic controllers to signal an emergency.

FAAN emphasized that the incident, regardless of the classification of the suspects, proves the urgent need for the Federal Government’s ongoing “Operation Go Cashless” and perimeter fortification projects.

“Work has already commenced in phases to ensure that airports under FAAN are better secured against unlawful access,” Agbebire noted, adding that the Ministry of Aviation is currently upgrading surveillance infrastructure across all 22 federal airports.

The confusion was further fueled by viral social media reports and “gory” images suggesting an attempted aircraft hijack at the airport.

FAAN has since issued a separate “Breaking News” alert on X (formerly Twitter) to debunk these rumors.

“This image is entirely false and does not represent any incident at Akure Airport. No gory scene occurred as depicted,” the agency clarified.

Both the police and FAAN have reassured travelers that the Akure Airport remains safe and fully operational.

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