Keyamo Clarifies That Akure Airport Security Breach Was Not A Direct Assault on Aviation Infrastructure

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has asserted that the recent security breach at Akure Airport in Ondo State did not represent a direct attack on aviation facilities, clarifying that the airport was not the objective of the intrusion.

He provided this information during an exclusive interview on a public affairs program in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, where he addressed rising public concerns regarding safety in Nigeria's airport system.

On Monday, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reported the arrest of four suspected bandits in the vicinity of Akure Airport due to a joint security operation prompted by a distress signal regarding dubious activities near the airport perimeter.

However, the Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State, through its spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh, refuted this claim, labeling it as misleading and asserting that no arrests occurred within the airport area.

The police clarified that two suspected logistical suppliers aiding kidnappers were apprehended along the Eleyewo and Ilu-Abo routes, but not within the airport itself.

Keyamo elaborated on the incident, which resulted in conflicting narratives from aviation authorities and the police, stressing that it should be viewed within context. He indicated that what transpired was an external security situation that inadvertently encroached upon airport premises, rather than an intentional act aimed at compromising aviation safety.

He stated, "There are two aspects to consider here. The first is the conflicting statements and the second is why access was gained in the first place. Sometimes, when people are stationed in Lagos and Abuja relying on reports from their local representatives, discrepancies can occur because they are not physically present on the ground."

He emphasized that available accounts suggest that individuals, presumed to be fleeing from a bandit or kidnapping situation, breached the airport's perimeter due to vulnerabilities, rather than targeting passengers or airport operations.

Keyamo articulated the importance of differentiating these details to mitigate unnecessary public alarm and to maintain confidence in Nigeria's aviation safety.

He recognized that differences in reports from aviation agencies and police can occur, attributing these to bureaucratic communication flaws instead of deliberate falsehoods. He noted that in large institutional frameworks, particularly within government, information often passes through several layers before reaching decision-makers, which can lead to inconsistencies in the information provided.

He further explained that officials at headquarters in cities like Lagos or Abuja frequently depend on information communicated by local personnel, which may not always reflect an accurate or complete account in real time.

Keyamo remarked, "The individual issuing a statement from Lagos is not physically present on the ground; this might explain the variations in reporting. I am currently trying to obtain comprehensive reports from all parties involved."

He emphasized, "What occurred was indeed an intrusion at the Akure airport, but it is crucial to clarify that the airport itself was not the target. Let me assure the public that there was no intention to target the airport or its passengers."

He concluded that the discrepancies in initial reports are expected, especially in rapidly evolving situations where various agencies work concurrently to respond and inform the public.

Keyamo firmly assured Nigerians that the airport was not under threat, reiterating that all accounts reviewed so far indicate no indications that the airport or its passengers were the focus of the involved individuals. Rather, he explained that the breach was caused by individuals seeking refuge from a separate security issue, resulting in an unintended entry into the airport grounds.

He stressed that it is critical for the public to understand that the integrity of airport operations was not deliberately or systematically compromised and that the incident should not be interpreted as an overall failure of aviation security.