Makinde unveils two new surveillance aircraft to combat insecurity

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday officially took delivery of two long-awaited surveillance aircraft, one year after announcing plans to acquire the security assets to strengthen intelligence gathering and enhance the state’s security architecture.

Mr Makinde, speaking shortly after the aircraft landed at the Ibadan Airport in Ibadan, the state capital, described the development as the fulfilment of a strategic security initiative conceived to complement security personnel on the ground across the state’s vast territory.

“The decision to procure the surveillance aircraft was informed by Oyo State’s expansive landmass and the need for rapid aerial intelligence to support security operations.

“When we decided 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.

“Although the security challenges that later confronted the state, including the recent abduction incidents, were unforeseen, the government’s investment in aerial surveillance had proved to be 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,” Mr Makinde stated.

Expressing satisfaction that the aircraft had finally arrived, Mr Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to taking decisions that serve the best interests of residents.

“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 added.

Aircraft to begin operations immediately

The governor disclosed that the aircraft would become operational immediately, revealing that the state had entered into a partnership with the Nigerian Air Force to ensure their effective deployment.

“We’re hitting the ground running. You can see the aircraft were flown by Air Force pilots. We have negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Air Force, and we will be working together,” Mr Makinde said.

He assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritise their safety and welfare.

“My message to the people of Oyo is that their government will always be there to serve them,” Mr Makinde said.

Earlier on Tuesday, while announcing the arrival of the two surveillance aircraft, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said in a statement that the development marked another milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen security operations.

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

Mr Oyelade recalled that the government announced the purchase of the two surveillance aircraft on 8 July 2025, as part of measures aimed at enhancing the capacity of security agencies to tackle emerging security challenges across the state.

He added that Mr Makinde confirmed on 18 July 2026, that the aircraft had arrived in Nigeria and were undergoing reassembly at the Nigerian Air Force’s hangar in Lagos.

The commissioner also noted that the state government had assured residents about a week earlier that the aircraft would arrive in Oyo before the end of July, adding that the latest development fulfilled that commitment.

“The aircraft are expected to support security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps and other relevant formations, in monitoring criminal activities and improving response efforts across the state,” Mr Oyelade said.

Aircraft to support intelligence, rapid response

Government sources told The PUNCH that the surveillance aircraft would work in synergy with existing security agencies, the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, and other intelligence units to monitor forests, border communities and identified flashpoints across the state.

The 15 May 2026, abduction of 39 students and seven teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area triggered widespread outrage and increased pressure on the government to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid-response capabilities.

Mr Makinde subsequently said the incident reinforced the need for enhanced aerial surveillance, noting that although the decision to procure the aircraft had been taken before the abduction, the attack underscored the importance of the investment.

The arrival of the state’s surveillance aircraft forms part of the broader security strategy adopted after the abduction to improve aerial reconnaissance, support intelligence-led operations and complement ground security personnel across Oyo’s expansive territory.

The aircraft are expected to enhance real-time monitoring, support search-and-rescue missions and improve coordination among security agencies.