Mar 18 • 05:00 UTC 🇳🇬 Nigeria Punch

Akure airport breach wasn’t targeted, minister clarifies

Nigeria's Minister of Aviation clarified that the recent security breach at Akure Airport was not an intended attack on the facility or its passengers.

Festus Keyamo, Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has sought to reassure the public following a recent security breach at Akure Airport in Ondo State. He stated that the breach was not a targeted attack, emphasizing that the airport and its passengers were never the intended victims. This statement comes as public concerns are mounting about the safety and security measures in place at Nigeria's airports, especially following conflicting information regarding the nature of the breach.

The situation escalated when the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria reported the arrest of four suspected criminals near the airport. This claim was subsequently challenged by the Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State, which clarified that only two suspects, identified as logistics suppliers for kidnappers, had been detained away from the airport grounds. The discrepancy in the reports highlighted issues of communication and coordination between various security agencies, a situation that could further undermine public trust in airport security protocols.

Minister Keyamo acknowledged these communication gaps while urging for better coordination between agencies to prevent misinformation. He reaffirmed the commitment of the government to enhance the safety of airport operations across Nigeria. This incident underscores the challenges faced by Nigerian authorities in maintaining security at critical infrastructure, particularly amidst rising concerns about violent crime and kidnapping in the region.

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