The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has dismissed a claim that bandits attempted to hijack an aeroplane at the Akure Airport in Ondo State on Sunday.

The claim was circulated by an X user, @Admiral_Cyborg, who stated: “While we were busy talking about Nasboi and VDM, bandits tried to hijack a plane in broad daylight, at Akure Airport. Let me rephrase, bandits attempted to seize and take control of a Plane in Ondo State.”

This was refuted by FAAN, which had earlier issued a statement announcing the arrest of some bandits within the vicinity of the airport.

The agency said on X, “There was no part of the press release that mentioned or suggested a ‘hijack.’ Please refer to the official statement for accurate information.”

In FAAN’s earlier statement, the agency said the arrest was a result of a coordinated security operation involving aviation and local security agencies.

It said the arrest followed a distress alert that suspicious individuals were sighted behind the airport perimeter towards the Eleyewo community.

“In response, 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 launched a joint search operation.

“During the operation, some individuals were seen attempting to flee the area. Four suspects were eventually apprehended by the joint security team and have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command for further interrogation.

“FAAN commends the swift collaboration among aviation security personnel, the military, the police, and local security groups, including Amotekun and community vigilantes, whose joint efforts led to the arrest,” the agency said.

The incident further highlighted the importance of strengthening airport perimeter protection. Consequently, 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.

According to FAAN, work has already commenced in phases to ensure that airports it controls are better secured against unlawful access and other security threats. (Guardian)

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