Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has officially taken delivery of two surveillance aircraft to strengthen intelligence gathering and enhance security operations across the state.
The governor received the aircraft on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Ibadan Airport, one year after announcing plans to acquire the security assets as part of efforts to reinforce the state’s security architecture.
Speaking shortly after the aircraft landed, Makinde described the development as the fulfilment of a strategic initiative designed to complement security personnel on the ground and improve surveillance across Oyo 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,” the governor said.
Makinde noted that although the security challenges that later emerged, including recent abduction incidents, were unforeseen, the investment in aerial surveillance had proven 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,” he said.
Expressing satisfaction over the arrival of the aircraft, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
“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.
Makinde disclosed that the surveillance aircraft would become operational immediately, revealing that the state government 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,” he said.
The governor assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritise their safety and wellbeing.
“My message to the people of Oyo is that their government will always be there to serve them,” he said.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, announced the arrival of the aircraft, describing it as another milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen security through improved intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance.
Oyelade recalled that the state government first announced the acquisition of the two surveillance aircraft on July 8, 2025, as part of measures to enhance the operational capacity of security agencies across Oyo State.
He added that Governor Makinde had confirmed on July 18, 2026, that the aircraft had arrived in Nigeria and were undergoing reassembly at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos before their deployment to Oyo State.
According to the commissioner, the arrival of the aircraft fulfils the government’s promise that they would be delivered before the end of July.
“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,” Oyelade said.
Government sources said the surveillance aircraft would operate in collaboration with the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, the Nigerian Air Force and other intelligence agencies to monitor forests, border communities and other security flashpoints across the state.
The acquisition follows heightened security concerns after the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, an incident that intensified calls for stronger surveillance and rapid response capabilities.
Makinde had maintained that although the decision to procure the aircraft predated the abduction, the incident reinforced the importance of investing in advanced aerial surveillance.
The surveillance aircraft are expected to enhance real time monitoring, support intelligence led operations, improve search and rescue missions and strengthen coordination among security agencies operating across Oyo State.
