Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has taken delivery of two surveillance aircraft acquired to strengthen intelligence gathering and enhance the state’s security architecture.
The aircraft arrived at the Ibadan Airport on Tuesday, one year after the state government announced plans to procure the security assets.
Speaking shortly after the aircraft landed, Makinde described the development as the fulfilment of a strategic initiative designed to complement security personnel on the ground and improve surveillance across the state’s vast territory.
He said the decision to acquire the aircraft was informed by Oyo State’s large landmass and the need for rapid aerial intelligence to support security operations.
“When we decided to purchase the surveillance aircraft, it was because of the sheer size of our state. We knew we had to complement the boots on the ground,” the governor said.
Makinde noted that although the security challenges that later emerged, including recent kidnapping incidents, were not anticipated when the decision was taken, the investment had proved timely.
He said the aircraft would become operational immediately through a partnership between the state government and the Nigerian Air Force.
“The aircraft was flown by Air Force pilots. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Air Force, and we will be working together,” he said.
The governor assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritise their safety and welfare.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, announced the arrival of the aircraft in a statement, describing it as another milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen security through improved intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance.
He recalled that the government announced the purchase of the aircraft on 8 July 2025 as part of measures to enhance the capacity of security agencies to tackle emerging security challenges.
According to Oyelade, Makinde confirmed on 18 July 2026 that the aircraft had arrived in Nigeria and were being reassembled at the Nigerian Air Force’s hangar in Lagos before their deployment to Oyo State.
He added that the arrival of the aircraft fulfilled the government’s commitment to deliver the assets before the end of July.
The commissioner said the aircraft would support security agencies, including the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, and other security formations by improving surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response to criminal activities.
The acquisition forms part of the state’s broader security strategy following the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area on 15 May 2026, an incident that heightened calls for stronger surveillance and intelligence capabilities.
The surveillance aircraft are expected to enhance real-time monitoring, support search-and-rescue operations and improve coordination among security agencies in tackling insecurity across the state.
