The Ondo State Police Command has dismissed reports that four bandits were arrested at Akure Airport, clarifying that the suspects arrested near the area were not bandits but individuals linked to the supply of logistics for kidnappers operating in parts of the state.
The police statement directly contradicts an earlier announcement by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, which had said security operatives apprehended suspected bandits around the airport premises.
The conflicting accounts from the two agencies created confusion among residents of Akure and travellers using the airport.
However, the police have now clarified that there was no security breach at the airport and that the arrests were made several kilometres away from the facility.
In a statement issued on Monday, the police spokesperson in the state, Abayomi Jimoh, said the command received a tip-off about suspected criminal activities around the Eleyewo axis of Akure.
According to him, officers immediately launched an operation in the area, which eventually led to the arrest of two suspects believed to be assisting kidnapping groups.
“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 said.
Jimoh explained that the suspects were not bandits but individuals involved in providing support services to kidnappers.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects are kidnap logistics suppliers aiding kidnap activities within the state,” he said.
He added that the suspects had already made confessional statements that were helping investigators track other members of the criminal network.
Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other suspects connected to the kidnapping operations.
The clarification by the police followed an earlier statement by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, which suggested that bandits had been arrested around the airport.
In the statement released on Sunday, the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, said security operatives responded to a distress alert about suspicious individuals seen behind the airport perimeter near the Eleyewo community.
According to the statement, the alert was received after some individuals were spotted moving around restricted areas close to the airport.
Security personnel reportedly moved to the location and attempted to apprehend the suspects.
The statement said some of the individuals tried to escape, but four suspects were eventually arrested.
They were later handed over to the police Area Command for interrogation.
FAAN also said the arrests were made through collaboration among different security agencies and community groups.
The agency commended the joint efforts of security personnel, including members of the regional security outfit Amotekun Corps and local vigilante groups.
According to the aviation authority, the cooperation between the agencies helped prevent a potential security threat.
Around the same time the initial report circulated, a disturbing image also began spreading on social media, claiming that a violent incident had occurred at the airport.
The agency said the picture did not represent any real incident at the airport and warned members of the public against spreading misinformation.
“This image is entirely false and does not represent any incident at Akure Airport. No gory scene occurred as depicted,” the authority said.
The police also urged the public to ignore reports suggesting that armed bandits were arrested inside the airport.
According to the police, such claims are misleading and capable of creating unnecessary fear among travellers and residents.
Both the police and FAAN have assured the public that security at the airport remains strong.
Authorities stressed that the airport continues to operate normally and that travellers should not panic.
Officials also said there had been no breach of security infrastructure at the facility.
Airports are considered critical national infrastructure, and security around them is usually handled by multiple agencies.
These include aviation security officers, police personnel and other specialised security units.
Over the years, the Nigerian government has introduced several measures to improve security at airports across the country.
FAAN said the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has been working to upgrade security systems at airports.
According to the agency, new security infrastructure is being installed nationwide.
This includes modern perimeter fencing designed to prevent unauthorised access to airport grounds.
The government is also investing in surveillance systems and other equipment to detect and respond to potential threats.
Officials say these steps are necessary to protect passengers, staff and aviation facilities.
Although the airport itself was not affected, the police said the suspects arrested are being investigated for links to kidnapping activities in parts of the state.
Kidnapping has become a major security concern in several parts of Nigeria in recent years.
Criminal groups often target travellers, commuters and residents in remote areas.
In many cases, kidnappers rely on a network of supporters who provide information, logistics and supplies.
This is why police authorities often focus on dismantling not only the kidnappers themselves but also those who assist them.
The police in Ondo State say the arrest of the suspects may help uncover more information about kidnapping operations in the region.
The police command also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible information about suspicious activities.
Authorities said community cooperation is essential in the fight against crime.
Residents were encouraged to report unusual movements or suspicious persons to security agencies without delay.
The command said information from the public often helps security operatives prevent crimes or arrest suspects.
The police also warned individuals involved in criminal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law.
The Ondo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order across the state.
According to the command, the Commissioner of Police appreciates the vigilance and cooperation of citizens.
The police said efforts will continue to ensure the safety of residents and travellers in the state.
Authorities also assured that investigations into the arrested suspects will continue until all individuals connected to the kidnapping network are identified and brought to justice.
