By Ayodele Oni
After weeks of terror in communities along Akure/Owo highway in Ondo state, caused by activities of kidnappers, efforts of security agents have yielded result as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the arrest of four suspected bandits at Akure Airport.
According to FAAN, the arrest was made possible by a coordinated security operation involving aviation and local security agencies.
Also the Ondo state Police command confirmed the arrest of two other suspects within communities in the area.
According to a statement by Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN on Sunday night, the operation was launched following a distress alert that suspicious individuals were sighted behind the airport perimeter towards the Eleyewo community.
”Security personnel comprising FAAN’s Aviation Security (AVSEC), the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and other local security outfits immediately swung into action, conducting a joint search operation.”
The statement revealed that during the operation, some individuals were seen attempting to flee the area, but four suspects were eventually apprehended by the joint security team and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command for further interrogation.
FAAN commended the collaboration among security personnel, the military, the police, and local security groups, including Amotekun and community vigilantes, whose joint efforts led to the arrest.
The incident has highlighted the importance of strengthening airport perimeter protection.
The statement added that the “Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, with the support of the Presidency under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has accelerated the provision of modern perimeter fencing and enhanced security infrastructure at airports across the country.
“Work has already commenced in phases to ensure that airports under FAAN are better secured against unlawful access and other security threats.
“FAAN reassured the travelling public and airport host communities of its commitment to maintaining the safety and security of all airport facilities nationwide.”
Ondo State Police Command confirmed arrest of two suspected kidnap logistics suppliers and informants.
The command spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, described the suspects as part of kidnapping syndicate terrorizing Ilu-Abo community and surrounding areas in Akure North local government.
“The suspects, identified as Alhassan Muhammad (20) and Faruq Muhammad Sanni (25), all residents of Sabon-Sango, Akure, were arrested on March 15, 2026, following credible intelligence provided by a concerned member of the Ilu-Abo community.
“The information indicated that one of the suspects, who operates as a commercial motorcyclist, had been assisting kidnappers in the area by procuring and delivering food items and other supplies to their hideouts.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad immediately mobilized to the location and carried out a targeted operation.
“The operation led to the successful arrest of the two suspects, while other members of the criminal syndicate fled upon sighting the approaching police operatives.
“Preliminary investigation suggests that the suspects have been playing supportive roles in sustaining the activities of the kidnappers operating within the forested areas around Ilu-Abo and neighbouring communities.
“The suspects are currently in custody and have made useful statements that are assisting the police with further investigation and facilitate the arrest of other fleeing members of the gang.
“The Command has intensified efforts to track down the remaining suspects and dismantle the entire kidnapping network responsible for the criminal activities in the area. The arrested suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation.”
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
