TDTwo official statements released on Monday have produced conflicting accounts of a security operation near Akure Airport, prompting calls for clarification as investigators continue follow‑up actions.
Lead summary
- Ondo State Police Command issued a press release, signed by DSP Abayomi Jimoh, saying reports that four bandits were arrested at Akure Airport are false and that no security breach occurred at the airport.
The police statement says a tip‑off led to a targeted operation around the Eleyewo axis of Akure, where two suspects described as kidnap logistics suppliers were arrested and are assisting investigations.
- Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) released a separate statement dated 15 March 2026, saying a coordinated security response involving FAAN AVSEC, the Nigerian Air Force, the Army, the Police and local security outfits resulted in the apprehension of four suspected bandits within the vicinity of Akure Airport.
The statement said that the suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command.
What each agency says
Ondo State Police Command
The Command categorically refuted media reports alleging four bandits were arrested at the airport, calling such reports misleading and capable of causing panic.
Police say they acted on credible intelligence from a concerned citizen about suspected kidnappers near Eleyewo, and that a targeted operation there produced two arrests.
Preliminary investigations identify the detainees as logistics suppliers to kidnapping networks; their confessions are said to be aiding efforts to apprehend other members.
The Command reassured the public that security around critical infrastructure, including the airport, remains intact and urged citizens to provide credible information to security agencies.
Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
FAAN’s statement described a joint search operation triggered by a distress alert that suspicious individuals were sighted behind the airport perimeter toward the Eleyeowo community.
According to FAAN, four suspects were apprehended by the joint security team and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command for interrogation.
FAAN commended the collaboration among aviation security, military, police and local security groups.
It reiterated federal efforts to strengthen airport perimeter protection through accelerated fencing and infrastructure upgrades.
See the statement below:
Reconciling the differences
The two official accounts agree on several points: a security alert was raised, joint security actors responded, and suspects were detained and transferred to police custody for interrogation.
The main discrepancy concerns where the arrests occurred and how many suspects were taken into custody.
FAAN reports four arrests at or near the airport perimeter, while the Ondo State Police Command reports two arrests in the Eleyewo axis and denies any airport breach.
At the time of publication, neither statement provides a detailed timeline or a joint communiqué reconciling the differing figures and locations.
Journalists and the public should expect further updates as investigations progress and agencies coordinate their accounts.
Context and implications
Conflicting official statements in the immediate aftermath of security operations can fuel misinformation and public anxiety, especially when critical infrastructure such as airports is involved.
Both releases underscore active collaboration among security agencies and local vigilante groups, and both emphasize ongoing efforts to strengthen perimeter security at airports nationwide.
The situation highlights the importance of rapid, coordinated public communication from all agencies involved to prevent confusion and to maintain public confidence.
What to watch for next
- Clarifying statement or joint briefing from FAAN, the Ondo State Police Command, or the Nigeria Police Force Area Command that reconciles the number of suspects, exact locations of arrests, and custody status.
- Updates on the investigation into the suspects’ alleged roles and any subsequent arrests of other network members.
- Operational changes or visible security upgrades at Akure Airport and other regional airports as federal perimeter‑security projects proceed.
Public advisory
Authorities urge residents and travellers to rely on official channels for updates, to remain calm, and to continue reporting credible intelligence to security agencies.
Both FAAN and the Ondo State Police Command have reassured the public that measures are in place to protect airport facilities and surrounding communities.
