The Oyo State Government has confirmed the arrival of the two surveillance aircraft it acquired to strengthen security operations and enhance intelligence gathering across the state.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the government described the arrival of the aircraft as another milestone in its efforts to improve aerial surveillance and support security agencies in tackling criminal activities.

“The arrival of the aircraft marks another step in the state’s efforts to strengthen security operations through improved intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance,” Oyelade said.

He recalled that the state government announced the acquisition of the two surveillance aircraft on July 8, 2025, as part of measures to enhance the operational capacity of security agencies in addressing emerging security challenges.

According to the commissioner, Governor Seyi Makinde had, on July 18, 2026, disclosed that the aircraft had arrived in Nigeria and were being reassembled at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos before their final delivery to Oyo State.

Oyelade noted that the government had subsequently assured residents that the aircraft would arrive in the state before the end of July, a promise that has now been fulfilled. He added that the aircraft would support security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps and other relevant security formations, by improving surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response to criminal activities across the state.

‘Complementing Ground Boots’

The commissioner also disclosed that Governor Makinde was at the airport to receive the aircraft upon their arrival.

He said Makinde spoke shortly after the aircraft landed, and described the delivery as the fulfilment of a strategic investment aimed at complementing security personnel on the ground and strengthening the state’s security architecture.

According to the governor, the decision to procure the aircraft was informed by Oyo State’s vast landmass and the need for rapid aerial intelligence to support security operations.

“When we took the decision to purchase this surveillance aircraft, it was because of the sheer landmass and the size of our state. We knew that we had to complement the boots on the ground,” he said.

Makinde noted that although the security challenges that later confronted the state, including the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, were unforeseen, the investment had proved worthwhile.

“We didn’t know what was going to happen. I’ve seen people criticise us and ask, ‘Where is the aircraft?’ But we planned for it so that we would be able to cover as much of the state’s landmass as possible within the shortest time.”

‘Hitting The Ground Running’

The governor said the arrival of the aircraft demonstrated that the state’s investment in security had paid off, stressing that a secure environment remained essential for development.

“I’m glad that now it’s here, and I believe we will always do what is right in the interest of our people. In an atmosphere of insecurity, you can hardly do anything. Now, our children are back, our teachers are back, and we’re moving on with our plans.”

Makinde disclosed that the aircraft would become operational immediately through a partnership with the Nigerian Air Force.

“We’re hitting the ground running. You can see the aircraft was flown by Air Force pilots. We have negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Air Force, and we will be working together. My message to the people of Oyo State is that their government will always be there to serve them,” he said.

The acquisition comes as Oyo continues to strengthen its security architecture in the wake of the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The abduction, which occurred on May 15, 2026, saw gunmen kidnap dozens of pupils, teachers and other residents from three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities.

After 56 days in captivity, all surviving victims were rescued during a coordinated operation involving the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and other security agencies. (Channels TV)

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