- Oyo State has received two surveillance aircraft to boost security monitoring
- Governor Makinde said the aircraft will support faster intelligence gathering
- The move aims to strengthen security efforts across the state
The Oyo State Government has announced the arrival of two surveillance aircraft acquired to improve security monitoring and strengthen intelligence operations across the state.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the delivery represents a major step in the government’s plan to enhance aerial surveillance and support security agencies in combating criminal activities.
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He explained that the aircraft acquisition, first announced in July 2025, was part of Governor Seyi Makinde’s efforts to expand the state’s security capabilities in response to emerging threats.
According to Oyelade, Governor Makinde had earlier disclosed that the aircraft arrived in Nigeria on July 18, 2026, and were being assembled at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos before being transferred to Oyo.
The commissioner said the aircraft would assist security formations, including the Amotekun Corps and other agencies, by improving intelligence gathering, monitoring and response to security incidents.
Makinde, who received the aircraft after their arrival, said the investment was driven by the need to provide better security coverage across Oyo State due to its large geographical size.
“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.
He added that the aircraft would help security personnel respond faster to threats and cover wider areas within a shorter period.
The governor noted that although recent security incidents, including the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, were not anticipated, the aircraft would strengthen the state’s ability to tackle such challenges.
Makinde said the aircraft would begin operations immediately through a partnership with the Nigerian Air Force, adding that an agreement had been reached to ensure effective deployment.
“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,” he said.
The acquisition follows increased efforts by the state government to improve security after the abduction of pupils, teachers and residents in communities within Oriire Local Government Area.
The victims were later rescued after a coordinated operation involving the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, Department of State Services and other security agencies.
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