The Ondo State Police Command has denied reports claiming that suspected bandits were arrested at Akure Airport.
Earlier on Sunday, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced that four suspected bandits had been apprehended within the airport’s vicinity.
The claim also circulated widely on social media, with reports suggesting that the suspects were arrested inside the airport, raising concerns among residents.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, dismissed the report and described it as misleading.
According to the police spokesperson, no such incident took place at Akure Airport, emphasizing that there was no security breach at the facility.
The command, however, explained that it “received credible intelligence from a concerned citizen regarding the activities of suspected kidnappers around the Eleyewo axis of Akure. 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 Ondo State Police Command, therefore, urges members of 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.
“The Command further reassures residents that security around critical infrastructure, including the airport, remains intact and uncompromised. Members of the public are encouraged to continue with their lawful activities without fear and to always provide timely and credible information to security agencies”.