The Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports that bandits were arrested at the Akure Airport, contradicting an earlier claim by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria that suspects were apprehended around the airport perimeter.
Addressing journalists on Monday during a show of force by security agencies in the state, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, described the report as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic, insisting that no security breach occurred at the airport.
The police boss clarified that the recent security operation carried out by operatives of the command was not at the airport but around the Eleyewo axis of Akure, following credible intelligence from a concerned resident.
He revealed that the suspects were assisting kidnapping gangs operating within the state and had already made useful confessional statements aiding ongoing investigations.
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Lawal further assured residents that security agencies are continuing efforts to track down other members of the criminal network linked to the suspects already arrested.
The development has, however, raised questions over the earlier statement credited to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, which had announced the arrest of four suspected bandits near the Akure Airport.
(Editor: Roluke Ogundele)
