The Oyo State Government has confirmed the arrival of two newly acquired surveillance aircraft, marking a major step in its plan to strengthen security operations and improve intelligence gathering across the State.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the Government described the delivery as another milestone in its efforts to boost aerial surveillance and provide security agencies with better tools to tackle 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.
The Commissioner recalled that the State Government announced the acquisition of the two surveillance aircraft on July 8, 2025, as part of measures to increase the operational capacity of security agencies in responding to emerging security threats.
According to him, Governor Seyi Makinde had on July 18, 2026, revealed that the aircraft had arrived in Nigeria and were undergoing reassembly at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos before their final transfer to Oyo State.
Oyelade said the Government had assured residents that the aircraft would arrive in the State before the end of July, adding that the promise had now been fulfilled.
He explained that the aircraft would support security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps and other relevant formations, by improving surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response to criminal activities across Oyo State.
*Complementing Ground Security*
The Commissioner disclosed that Governor Makinde personally received the aircraft at the airport upon arrival.
He said the Governor 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.
Makinde explained that the decision to purchase the aircraft was driven by Oyo State’s large 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,” the Governor said.
The Governor noted that although later security challenges, including the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, were not anticipated at the time, the investment had proven valuable.
“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.”
*Aircraft To Begin Operations Immediately*
Makinde said the arrival of the aircraft showed that the State’s investment in security was yielding results, stressing that a safe environment was necessary 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,” he said.
The Governor disclosed that the aircraft would commence operations 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,” Makinde added.
The arrival comes as Oyo continues to strengthen its security structure following the abduction of pupils, teachers and residents in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.
The incident saw gunmen abduct 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.