Photo caption : Joint security operatives escort the suspected bandits shorty after their arrest near the runway environment at Akure Airport, before handing them over to the Nigeria Police Fo
A joint security operations led by Aviation Security(AVSEC),the Nigeria Air Force, Nigerian Army on arrested four suspected bandits for allegedly breached the runway environment at Akure Airport.
Sources close to the airport hinted that Air Traffic Controllers(ATC) monitoring operations from the control tower at the airport noticed unusual activity close to the runway.
The controllers were said to have observed a woman and several young men running from farmland behind the airport’s operational fence toward the runway edge while shouting for help.
The group was said to have raised alarm after noticing several men on motorcycles moving toward their location. The situation immediately raised concerns among aviation personnel about a possible security breach.
Based on the alarm, the ATCs alerted airport security agencies stationed within the airport environment.
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Upon raising the alert, Aviation Security(AVSEC) officers launched an immediate response in collaboration with military personnel.
The joint operation involved Aviation Security (AVSEC) officials, the Nigerian Air Force, and the Nigerian Army. Security teams combed nearby forest areas surrounding the airport perimeter.
The search operation eventually led to the arrest of four suspected bandits believed to have entered the restricted airport environment. Security officials confirmed that the suspects were apprehended during the coordinated pursuit around the airport’s surrounding communities.
The suspects were later transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command for further interrogation.
Investigators are expected to determine their motives and whether the suspects are linked to broader criminal activities in the region.
Initial reports suggested the bandits had chased farmers from nearby farmland toward the airport perimeter.
The farmers allegedly fled toward the runway area while seeking safety after noticing armed men approaching them.
Security operatives including Aviation Security personnel, Nigerian Air Force, and Nigerian Army patrol the perimeter of Akure Airport following a security breach involving suspected bandits.
There are indications that the suspects may have attempted to flee after encountering operatives of the regional security outfit Amotekun Corps, who were reportedly conducting patrol operations in nearby communities.
The patrol carried out by the regional security organisation to rid the communities in the state may have forced the suspects to escape through the airport perimeter where they were eventually spotted and some of the arrested
Speaking on the incident, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN) Olubunmi Kuku, said the incident reinforces the urgency of strengthening airport perimeter protection across Nigeria.
The Federal Government, Kuku said has already accelerated plans to enhance airport fencing nationwide, adding that the initiative is expected to improve surveillance and prevent unauthorised access to sensitive aviation facilities.
According to her,
“This is the reason the President and the Minister have accelerated the establishment of operational and perimeter fences at the airports.”
Meanwhile ,FAAN said that the incident did not disrupt flight operations .
Recall that between 2021-2022 there were bandits attack at Kaduna airport one of which a NAMA Security guard was killed.
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