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Abdulazeez Abubakar
3 weeks ago
Overview
Police deny arrest of ‘four bandits’ at Akure Airport, say report misleading
The Ondo State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that four suspected bandits were arrested around the Akure Airport, describing the information as misleading.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had earlier announced on Sunday that four suspects were apprehended following a distress alert about suspicious individuals sighted behind the airport perimeter toward the Eleyewo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.
In a statement by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, the authority said a joint security team comprising its Aviation Security unit, the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and other local security outfits carried out a search operation in the area.
Agbebire said during the operation, some individuals attempted to flee, but four suspects were eventually apprehended by the security team.
However, the Ondo State Police Command, in a statement issued early Monday, said the report circulating across media platforms alleging the arrest of four bandits at the airport was inaccurate.
The statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Jimoh Abayomi, clarified that no such incident occurred at the Akure Airport and that there was no security breach at the facility.
According to the command, it had instead received credible intelligence from a concerned citizen about the activities of suspected kidnappers around the Eleyewo axis of Akure.
“The Ondo State Police Command wishes to categorically refute the misleading reports currently circulating across some media platforms alleging that four bandits were arrested at the Akure Airport.
“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.”
It added, “Acting swiftly on the tip-off, operatives of the command launched a targeted operation in the area which led to the arrest of two suspects.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects are kidnap logistics suppliers aiding kidnap activities within the state.
“They have since made useful confessional statements that are currently aiding ongoing investigations and efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal network,” the statement said.
The command therefore urged members of the public to disregard the reports suggesting that bandits were arrested at the airport, describing such claims as false and capable of causing unnecessary panic.
It also reassured residents that security around critical infrastructure, including the airport, remains intact and uncompromised.
The police encouraged the public to continue their lawful activities without fear and to always provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, however, lauded the vigilance and cooperation of residents and reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of people across the state.
https://thenationonlineng.net/police-deny-arrest-of-four-bandits-at-akure-airport-say-report-misleading/
