A sharp dispute has erupted 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.
FAAN had on Sunday announced the arrest of four “bandits” during what it described as a coordinated security sweep involving aviation and local security agencies. The announcement generated widespread attention and concern among the public.
However, the Ondo State Police Command has contradicted the claim, insisting that no bandits were apprehended at the airport. In a statement on Monday, police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh clarified that the individuals arrested were actually logistics suppliers aiding kidnappers, not armed bandits.
“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 said.
According to the police, operatives acted on credible intelligence from a concerned citizen about suspected kidnapper activities around the Eleyewo axis of Akure. The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, who have since provided confessional statements aiding ongoing investigations into the criminal network.
“The arrested individuals are Kidnap Logistics Suppliers aiding kidnap activities within the state,” the statement added. “The Command therefore urges the public to disregard the inaccurate reports suggesting that bandits were arrested at the Akure Airport, as such claims are false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic.”
FAAN had earlier described the operation as a coordinated effort to safeguard airport premises and deter criminal activities. The conflicting reports have now raised questions about communication between federal agencies and state security forces in handling public information on security matters.
The police stressed that the airport remains secure and that no incident occurred within the facility itself. Authorities are continuing investigations into the criminal network operating in Ondo State, focusing on apprehending all individuals involved in kidnap operations.
The public has been advised to rely on official statements from the Nigeria Police Force for accurate information on security matters in the state.