Police: Kidnap-suspects, not bandits, arrested at Akure Airport

The police also noted that there was no security breach at the facility.

Rather, the command said it received credible intelligence from a concerned citizen on the activities of suspected kidnappers around the Eleyewo axis of Akure.

“The Ondo State Police Command wishes to categorically refute the misleading reports circulating across some media platforms alleging that four bandits were arrested at the Akure Airport.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Command wishes to state clearly that no such incident occurred at the Akure Airport, and there was no security breach of any kind at the facility.”

It added: “Acting swiftly on the tip-off, operatives of the command launched a targeted operation in the area which led to the arrest of two suspects.

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“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects are kidnap logistics suppliers aiding kidnap activities within the state.

“They have since made useful confessional statements that are currently aiding ongoing investigations and efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal network,” the statement said.

The exercise, which began yesterday, featured a massive deployment of armed personnel and patrol vehicles on major streets in Akure, as well as highways and identified flashpoints across the state.

The security operatives moved in convoys through strategic locations, including Ilu-Abo, Ogbese, and other parts as part of the show aimed at reassuring residents and deterring criminals.

The state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, explained that the exercise was designed to demonstrate the readiness of security agencies to confront kidnappers and other criminal gangs threatening peace in the state.

Lawal said the operation would be sustained through aggressive patrols, intelligence-driven raids, and stronger collaboration among the various agencies.

“We are just implementing a coordinated joint show of force among the security agencies - the military, the police, civil defence, DSS - to show the good people of Ondo State that we have occupied the space and that there is a collaborative effort to fight crime and criminality in the state.

“You will recall that recently we have had pockets of incidents, especially around the Akure North axis. So, I thought it was the right time to do this. Again, we are preparing for Sallah to show residents that we are really on track,” he said.

Also, the Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, said the team was working in synergy with others to stamp out criminality, particularly kidnapping and robbery.

Mr Adeleye said the exercise would involve patrols across urban areas and forests where criminals are believed to operate.

 We are entering both the metropolis and the bushes. We are doing bush combing and scrutinising the nooks and crannies of the state.

“You can see that men of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Services, Civil Defence and the Amotekun Corps are firmly on ground. We will move on foot, motorcycles and vehicles to all areas,” he said.

According to Adeleye, the next phase of the operation would involve entering forest areas to flush out suspected kidnappers.

“After that, we will move into the forest to carry out phase two of the operation ‘Le Won Jade.’ We want to drive miscreants out of the forest and push kidnappers away from those areas.

“Most kidnappings occur on the outskirts of towns. When people mention places like Oda, many think it is inside the town, but many of those incidents occur in isolated areas far away. We will enter those places and ensure these miscreants are driven out,” he added.

Adeleye, however, urged the residents to support security agencies by providing credible information about suspicious movements and criminal hideouts in their communities