Keyamo acknowledges security lapse in Akure Airport incident, directs investigation

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, admitted on Tuesday that a porous segment at the rear of the Akure Airport in Ondo State was exploited during a recent incident involving suspected criminals and locals, creating an access point.

n

Keyamo assured travellers and airport users that airports across the country are safe, stating that aviation facilities were not being targeted, and the incident was an isolated case.

n

Keyamo acknowledged discrepancies in reports by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and the police, and has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident to establish an accurate account of events.

n

On Sunday, FAAN reported that four suspected bandits were arrested around the Akure Airport following a joint security operation triggered by a distress alert over suspicious movements near the airport perimeter.

n

However, the police in Ondo State dismissed the claim, saying no such arrest took place at the airport, with spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh stating that only two suspected logistics suppliers aiding kidnappers were apprehended along the Eleyewo and Ilu-Abo axis.

n

Keyamo clarified that the incident was an external security situation that spilled into the airport premises, rather than a deliberate attempt to compromise aviation safety, during an appearance on Frontline, a programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.

n

He emphasized that the airport was not a target, stating "Let us be very clear about this, in all the accounts, the airport was never a target", and assured the public that passengers were not targeted.

n

Keyamo attributed the security breach to a porous part of the airport's fence, which is being addressed, saying "It's just that there was a porous part of the fence at the back of Akure Airport" and that efforts are being made to rebuild the infrastructure.

n

The porous fence allowed individuals to gain access to the airport, with Keyamo explaining that "they now use that access to run into the airport to escape wherever they were running away from, and that is how they ran into the airport".

n

A couple of arrests were made in connection with the incident, and Keyamo is awaiting full reports from multiple agencies to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the event.

n

Keyamo has mandated aviation security units and law enforcement agencies to collate reports and establish an accurate account of events, warning that if personnel are found to have failed in their responsibilities, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken.

n

He stated that he has directed his team to "link up with the police or compare notes and come out with the true situation" to ensure an accurate understanding of the incident, and is awaiting the outcome of the investigation.