Four suspected bandits were arrested near Akure Airport after a coordinated security operation around the airport premises.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria disclosed the development in a statement signed by Henry Agbeberi on March 15, 2026.

FAAN said the suspects were apprehended earlier that day when security personnel responded to a distress alert in the airport area.

FAAN stated that the suspects were arrested during a joint security operation after suspicious individuals were seen behind the airport perimeter.

“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) wishes to inform the public that four suspected bandits were today apprehended within the vicinity of Akure Airport, Ondo State, following a coordinated security operation involving aviation and local security agencies,” the statement said.

The authority added that efforts are ongoing to reinforce security at airports nationwide to prevent unauthorized access and boost overall safety.

“Work has already commenced in phases to ensure that airports under FAAN are better secured against unlawful access and other security threats,” the agency added.

FAAN stated that the operation was launched following a distress alert after suspicious individuals were spotted behind the airport perimeter fence near the Eleyele community.
Security personnel from multiple agencies, including the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, FAAN’s Aviation Security unit, as well as local security groups like the Amotekun Corps and community vigilantes, swiftly conducted a coordinated search operation.

During the coordinated operation, several suspects attempted to flee, but four were successfully apprehended by the joint security team.

They have been transferred to the local police command for further questioning and investigation.

Heightened security vigilance around airports has become crucial as authorities step up surveillance to curb criminal activities and safeguard aviation infrastructure.

The Akure arrest follows a recent NDLEA operation in which a 74-year-old man was caught with 11 kilograms of cocaine hidden in his luggage at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

In November 2025, the NDLEA arrested 40-year-old fugitive Yussuf Abayomi Azeez at Murtala Muhammed International Airport while he was preparing to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah; he was wanted in the United Kingdom.