The Oyo State Government has received two surveillance aircraft acquired to strengthen intelligence gathering and enhance security operations across the state, marking a major milestone in its efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities.
The aircraft arrived at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan on Tuesday and are expected to support aerial surveillance, intelligence collection and rapid response operations by security agencies operating within Oyo State and neighbouring areas.
The development was announced in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, who described the arrival of the aircraft as a significant step in the state’s commitment to improving security through technology-driven intelligence and coordinated law enforcement.
“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.
According to him, Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier disclosed on July 18, 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 noted that the government had assured residents about a week ago that the aircraft would be delivered before the end of July, adding that Tuesday’s arrival fulfilled that promise.
“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,” the commissioner stated.
Oyelade further disclosed that Governor Makinde personally received the aircraft upon their arrival at the airport, underscoring the administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture.
The acquisition forms part of the Makinde administration’s broader strategy to enhance the operational capacity of security agencies through the deployment of modern surveillance technology.
The Oyo State Government had announced the purchase of the two surveillance aircraft on July 8, 2025, as part of measures aimed at equipping security agencies with advanced tools to tackle emerging security threats across the state.
The initiative followed growing concerns over kidnapping, armed banditry and other violent crimes, prompting the state government to invest in aerial surveillance platforms capable of supporting intelligence-led security operations.
With the arrival of the aircraft, security agencies are expected to improve real-time monitoring of forests, highways, remote communities and other vulnerable locations, while enhancing coordination and rapid response to security threats.
The deployment is also expected to complement the activities of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, alongside other federal and state security agencies operating in the state, as the government intensifies efforts to safeguard lives and property.
