Metro
Four suspected bandits arrested near Akure Airport
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Sunday announced the arrest of four suspected “bandits” within the vicinity of Akure Airport at Eleyewo in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State following a coordinated security operation involving aviation and local security agencies.
The arrest is coming amid the incessant kidnappings and violent attacks occurring at Ilu-Abo community near the Akure Airport in Akure North LGA of the state.
Ut would be recalled that no fewer than 10 kidnap cases had been recorded at the axis in the past two months with residents protesting and demanding urgent government action and protection from the security agencies.
FAAN said the arrested suspects were apprehended after security operatives received a distress alert that suspicious individuals had been sighted behind the airport perimeter towards the Eleyewo community.
According to a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, security personnel immediately launched a joint search operation in response to the alert.
Mr Agbebire said the operation involved FAAN’s Aviation Security (AVSEC), the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and other local security outfits.
“During the operation, some individuals reportedly attempted to flee the area, but four suspects were eventually apprehended by the joint security team.
“The suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command for further interrogation,” the statement said.
FAAN commended the swift collaboration among aviation security personnel, the military, the police and local security groups, including Amotekun Corps and community vigilantes, whose joint efforts led to the arrests.
The authority said the incident underscored the importance of strengthening airport perimeter protection across the country.
It added that the federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, with the support of the Presidency under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has accelerated the provision of modern perimeter fencing and enhanced security infrastructure at airports nationwide.
FAAN disclosed that work has already commenced in phases to ensure airports under its management are better secured against unlawful access and other security threats.
The authority, however, reassured the travelling public and host communities of its commitment to maintaining safety and security across all airport facilities in Nigeria.
Troops of 22 Brigade under Operation Savannah Shield have repelled suspected terrorists, arrested two suspects, and recovered motorcycles during an offensive operation in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 11:09 a.m. on April 14 by troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Babanna, in collaboration with Combat Support Infantry Battalion XVI and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
According to the sources, the troops carried out coordinated clearance operations across Dekara, Dongoru, Bakimba, Jigga, Gidan Kambarawa and Masaka villages.
During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists along the Masaka–Dekara road, forcing them to flee and abandon their motorcycles.
The sources added that the troops subsequently encountered an ambush but successfully fought through the attack, recovering additional motorcycles.
“In total, nine motorcycles were recovered during the operation, while two suspects were apprehended,” the sources said.
They noted that two tyres of a Combat Support Vehicle (CSK APC) were damaged during the encounter.
The suspects and recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation, while operations are ongoing to track fleeing members of the group.
Troops conducting ongoing clearance operations under Operation Wutan Daji have rescued 12 kidnapped victims and arrested key associates of a fleeing bandit leader during coordinated offensives across forested areas linking Plateau and Taraba States.
A military source said the operations, carried out on April 15 and 16, involved troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade in conjunction with an Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) tactical team.
According to the source, the operations were conducted in the Dajin Madam and Kumbodoro forest axis, spanning parts of Plateau and Taraba States.
The source said the sustained offensive led to the recovery of 12 kidnapped victims who escaped from their captors during the pressure mounted by troops.
The victims were subsequently taken into custody for profiling before being moved to an Internally Displaced Persons facility in Fukuk.
Troops also recovered a Dane gun, a fabricated AK-47 rifle and a power bank during the operation.
The Bauchi State Government has dismissed a driver, Aminu Abdullahi, over a fatal road crash that claimed the lives of two journalists and left 11 others injured.
The crash involving a vehicle conveying 13 journalists occurred on February 6, 2026.
A cameraman with Channels Television, Kani Ben, d!ed from spinal cord injuries he sustained in the crash.
The dismissal was carried out by the Bauchi State Civil Service Commission (CSC) during its recent sitting.
The Commission disclosed that Abdullahi, a clerical assistant in the state civil service, was sacked for misconduct.
The CSC explained that the disciplinary action formed part of decisions taken during its 13th plenary session held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at its conference hall.
It added that Abdullahi’s termination was due to negligence while carrying out an assigned duty of driving.
According to the Commission, the misconduct contravened Rules 0312 and 0327 of the Bauchi State Public Service Regulations.
The CSC further stated that Abdullahi, a Grade Level 03 clerical assistant with the State Ministry of Higher Education, had been assigned “any other duty” and directed to drive a team of journalists covering activities of the North East Development Commission during the commissioning of projects in Alkaleri Local Government Area.“
“Aminu, who was accused of reckless driving, caused an accident involving more than 10 journalists. As a result, two persons lost their lives, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” the statement said.
The Commission noted that the action followed recommendations from the Ministry of Higher Education and resolutions of the State Executive Council on the disciplinary case.
Meanwhile, the CSC queried the management of the Ministry of Higher Education to explain why a clerical assistant was assigned the duties of a driver.
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