The Oyo State Government has confirmed the arrival of two surveillance aircraft acquired to improve security operations, enhance intelligence gathering and support the fight against crime across the state.
The development was announced in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, who described the arrival of the aircraft as a major milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen its security architecture through aerial surveillance.
According to Oyelade, the state government had announced the purchase of the aircraft on July 8, 2025, while Governor Seyi Makinde later revealed on July 18, 2026, 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.
He noted that the government had assured residents the aircraft would arrive before the end of July, a promise that has now been fulfilled.
The commissioner said the surveillance aircraft would support security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps and other security formations, by improving intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and rapid response to criminal activities across the state.
Governor Makinde, who was present at the airport to receive the aircraft, said the investment was made because of Oyo State’s vast landmass and the need to complement security personnel with aerial intelligence.
“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 explained that although the state could not have predicted later security challenges, including the Oriire Local Government school abduction, the decision to acquire the aircraft has proven to be worthwhile.
“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,” he said.
The governor disclosed that the aircraft would become operational immediately through a partnership with the Nigerian Air Force.
“We’re hitting the ground running. We have negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Air Force, and we will be working together,” Makinde added.
The arrival of the aircraft comes months after the abduction of pupils, teachers and other residents from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.
After spending 56 days in captivity, all surviving victims were eventually rescued during a joint operation involving the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies.
