Security operatives have arrested four suspected bandits after they reportedly breached the runway environment at Akure Airport. The incident triggered a swift joint security response on Sunday afternoon.
Air Traffic Controllers monitoring operations from the control tower first noticed unusual activity close to the runway. According to early reports, the controllers observed a woman and several young men running from farmland behind the airport’s operational fence toward the runway edge while shouting for help.
Meanwhile, the group reportedly raised alarm after noticing several men on motorcycles moving toward their location. The situation immediately raised concerns among aviation personnel about a possible security breach. Consequently, controllers alerted airport security agencies stationed within the airport environment.
Following the alert, Aviation Security officers launched an immediate response in collaboration with military personnel. The joint operation involved Aviation Security (AVSEC) officials, the Nigerian Air Force, and the Nigerian Army. Security teams combed nearby forest areas surrounding the airport perimeter.
The search operation eventually led to the arrest of four suspected bandits believed to have entered the restricted airport environment. Security officials confirmed that the suspects were apprehended during the coordinated pursuit around the airport’s surrounding communities.
Authorities later transferred the suspects to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command for further interrogation. Investigators are expected to determine their motives and whether the suspects are linked to broader criminal activities in the region.
Initial reports suggested the bandits had chased farmers from nearby farmland toward the airport perimeter. The farmers reportedly fled toward the runway area while seeking safety after noticing armed men approaching them.
Meanwhile, security sources said the suspects may have attempted to flee after encountering operatives of the regional security outfit Amotekun Corps, who were reportedly conducting patrol operations in nearby communities. This encounter may have forced the suspects toward the airport perimeter where they were eventually detected.
However, aviation authorities confirmed that the incident did not disrupt flight operations at the airport. Air traffic services continued normally while security personnel handled the situation around the perimeter.
Reacting to the development, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, said the incident reinforces the urgency of strengthening airport perimeter protection across Nigeria.
According to her, the Federal Government has already accelerated plans to enhance airport fencing nationwide. The initiative is expected to improve surveillance and prevent unauthorised access to sensitive aviation facilities.
“This is the reason the President and the Minister have accelerated the establishment of operational and perimeter fences at the airports,” Kuku stated.
Bandits Scare
Security experts have repeatedly warned that weak perimeter infrastructure exposes airports to potential threats. This became extremely crucial after series of attacks in 2021-2022 at Kaduna airport one of which a NAMA Security guard was killed. Aviation regulators including the International Civil Aviation Organization recommend strict perimeter protection as a critical component of global aviation safety standards.
The Akure incident highlights a need for vigilance about securing airport environments located close to farming communities and forested areas. In addition, aviation workers have also raised concerns about their safety while performing operational duties.
Meanwhile, authorities say investigations into the bandits’ activities are ongoing. Security patrols around the airport and surrounding communities have also been intensified to prevent a recurrence.
For aviation stakeholders, the incident again underlines the importance of improved perimeter security at Nigeria’s airports. Strengthening infrastructure and surveillance systems could significantly reduce the risk of similar breaches in the future.
