A dispute has emerged between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Ondo State Police Command over a reported security operation at Akure Airport, recently renamed Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu Airport.
On Sunday, FAAN announced that four “bandits” were apprehended during a coordinated security sweep involving airport and local security personnel. The announcement sparked concern and drew widespread attention from the public.
However, the Ondo State Police Command has rejected FAAN’s claim, stating that no bandits were arrested at the airport. Spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh clarified in a statement on Monday that the individuals apprehended were logistics suppliers aiding kidnappers, not armed bandits.
Jimoh emphasized: “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 police said operatives acted on credible intelligence from a concerned citizen regarding suspected kidnapper activities around the Eleyewo area of Akure. The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, who have since provided confessional statements helping investigators track other members of the criminal network.
“The suspects are involved in providing logistical support to kidnappers within the state,” the statement added. “The public is therefore urged to disregard inaccurate reports suggesting that bandits were arrested at the airport, as such claims are false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic.”
FAAN’s initial statement had portrayed the operation as a coordinated effort to protect airport premises and prevent criminal activity. The conflicting reports have raised questions about communication and coordination between federal agencies and state security forces in managing public information about security incidents.
The police assured residents that Akure Airport remains secure and that there was no security breach at the facility. Investigations are ongoing, focusing on dismantling the kidnap network operating in Ondo State and apprehending all involved parties.
Members of the public have been urged to rely on official statements from the Nigeria Police Force for accurate information on security matters in the state.
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