Police Spokesperson Clarifies Two Suspects Were Arrested In Eleyewo Axis Several Kilometres From Airport, Not Four Bandits; FAAN Also Dismisses Viral Hijack Claim As Entirely False
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The Ondo State Police Command has dismissed claims that four bandits were arrested at Akure Airport, directly contradicting an earlier statement by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
FAAN’s statement was titled, “FAAN AVSEC, others arrest bandits at Akure Airport”, stating that four suspected bandits were sighted behind the airport perimeter towards Eleyewo community.
In a statement on Monday, the command spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh clarified that no security breach occurred at the airport and that reports of arrests of armed bandits were inaccurate.
“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,” the statement read.
The command explained that the confusion stemmed from a tip-off received about suspected kidnappers operating around the Eleyewo axis, several kilometres from the airport.
Acting swiftly, officers launched a targeted operation that led to the arrest of two individuals linked to kidnap logistics and support, rather than four bandits at the airport.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects are Kidnap Logistics Suppliers aiding kidnap activities within the state.
“They have since made useful confessional statements that are currently aiding ongoing investigations and efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal network,” the statement said.
The police urged the public to disregard reports suggesting an arrest of bandits at the airport, describing such claims as “false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic.”
The command also reassured residents that security around critical infrastructure, including the airport, remains intact and uncompromised.
In a statement on Sunday, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, said the arrests followed a distress alert about suspicious individuals sighted behind the airport perimeter towards the Eleyewo community.
Some individuals reportedly attempted to flee, but four suspects were eventually apprehended and handed over to the police Area Command for further interrogation.
FAAN commended the collaboration among security agencies and local groups, including Amotekun and community vigilantes, noting that their joint efforts led to the arrests.
FAAN also dismissed a viral claim by an X user, @Admiral_Cyborg, who stated: “While we were busy talking about Nasboi and VDM, bandits tried to hijack a plane in broad daylight, at Akure Airport. Let me rephrase, bandits attempted to seize and take control of a Plane in Ondo State.”
The agency said on X, “There was no part of the press release that mentioned or suggested a ‘hijack.’ Please refer to the official statement for accurate information.”
FAAN additionally dismissed a viral image circulating online, claiming a violent incident at the airport, describing it as entirely false. “This image is entirely false and does not represent any incident at Akure Airport. No gory scene occurred as depicted,” the authority said.
The conflicting statements have sparked confusion among residents and travellers, highlighting the need for clearer communication between security agencies and aviation authorities.
Both FAAN and the Ondo State Police have reiterated that there was no security breach at the airport and that travellers and airport communities should not panic.
The police emphasised that the arrested suspects are being investigated in connection with kidnap activities in the state, and warned that anyone involved in unlawful activities would face the full weight of the law.
Residents were encouraged to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to aid investigations.
The authority stated that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development with support from the Presidency, had accelerated the provision of modern perimeter fencing and enhanced security infrastructure at airports nationwide.
According to FAAN, work has already commenced in phases to ensure that airports it controls are better secured against unlawful access and other security threats.
The Ondo State Police reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety. “The Commissioner of Police appreciates the vigilance and cooperation of citizens and reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Ondo State,” the statement added.
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