The Oyo State Government has taken delivery of two surveillance aircraft acquired to bolster intelligence gathering and strengthen security operations across the state, fulfilling a commitment made by Governor Seyi Makinde to improve the state’s security architecture.
The arrival of the aircraft marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to support security agencies with enhanced aerial surveillance and faster response to criminal activities, according to the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade.
Oyelade said the aircraft would complement existing security operations by providing real-time intelligence and expanding aerial monitoring across Oyo’s vast territory.
“The arrival of the aircraft marks another step in the state’s efforts to strengthen security operations through improved intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance,” the commissioner said.
He recalled that the state government first announced the purchase of the two surveillance aircraft on July 8, 2025, as part of a broader strategy to improve the operational capabilities of security agencies in addressing emerging security threats.
According to him, Governor Makinde had informed residents on July 18, 2026, that the aircraft had already arrived in Nigeria and were being reassembled at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos before being transported to Oyo State.
The commissioner noted that the government had assured residents the aircraft would be delivered before the end of July, a promise that has now been fulfilled.
He added that the aircraft would provide critical support for security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps and other law enforcement formations, by improving intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid deployment during security operations.
Governor Makinde, who personally received the aircraft at the airport, described the delivery as the fulfilment of a carefully planned investment aimed at complementing security personnel on the ground.
He explained that the decision to procure the aircraft was driven by Oyo State’s expansive landmass, which requires aerial capabilities to effectively monitor remote areas and respond swiftly to security threats.
“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,” the governor said.
Makinde noted that although the state could not have predicted later security incidents, including the mass abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, the investment had proven timely.
“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,” he added.
The governor described the arrival of the aircraft as evidence that proactive investments in security remain essential for protecting lives and sustaining development.
“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,” he said.
Makinde also disclosed that the aircraft would become operational immediately under a partnership between the Oyo State Government and 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 deployment comes as Oyo State continues to strengthen its security framework following the abduction of pupils, teachers and residents from three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.
The victims regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity following a coordinated rescue operation involving the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other security agencies.
State officials believe the newly acquired surveillance aircraft will significantly enhance intelligence-driven operations and improve the ability of security agencies to prevent and respond to threats across Oyo State.
