Oyo Receives Two Surveillance Aircraft Worth ₦7.7 Billion to Strengthen Security Operations - Newstrends
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Oyo Receives Two Surveillance Aircraft Worth ₦7.7 Billion to Strengthen Security Operations

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3 months ago

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Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde

Oyo Receives Two Surveillance Aircraft Worth ₦7.7 Billion to Strengthen Security Operations

Governor Seyi Makinde takes delivery of advanced DA-42 MNG ISR aircraft, fulfilling end-of-July deployment promise after delays in Chinese assembly

The Oyo State Government on Tuesday received the two surveillance aircraft it acquired to strengthen intelligence gathering and aerial security operations across the state, fulfilling its pledge to deliver the aircraft before the end of July. Governor Seyi Makinde was at the airport in Ibadan to personally receive the aircraft upon their arrival, marking a significant milestone in the state’s security architecture.

Announcing the development in a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the arrival of the aircraft represents a major milestone in the state’s efforts to improve security through enhanced aerial surveillance and intelligence-led operations. He recalled that the state government announced the acquisition of the two aircraft on July 8, 2025, as part of measures to enhance the operational capacity of security agencies in tackling emerging security threats.

The state government initially announced the acquisition of the two surveillance aircraft on July 8, 2025, as part of measures to enhance the operational capacity of security agencies in tackling emerging security threats. According to Oyelade, Governor Makinde had, on July 18, 2026, disclosed that the aircraft had arrived in Nigeria and were undergoing reassembly at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos before their final deployment to Oyo State. The Commissioner noted that the government had assured residents about a week ago that the aircraft would arrive in the state before the end of July, adding that Tuesday’s delivery fulfilled that commitment. The delivery timeline was extended because the Chinese manufacturers required more time than initially anticipated to assemble the aircraft components.

The two DA-42 MNG Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft were procured at a total cost of ₦7,763,360,000. The sophisticated surveillance technology fitted on the aircraft is capable of identifying targets from both high and low altitudes, allowing for real-time intelligence gathering and improving rapid response and precision security operations. Once fully operational, they will provide wide aerial coverage across Oyo State and significantly boost the operational capacity of security agencies in combating banditry, kidnapping, illegal mining, and related crimes.

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The Commissioner stated that the surveillance aircraft would support intelligence gathering and assist security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps and other security formations, in monitoring criminal activities and improving rapid response to security threats across the state. The aircraft will be deployed to monitor and strengthen security operations along Oyo State’s borders with Kwara State and the Republic of Benin. These border areas have been identified as vulnerable corridors often exploited by criminal elements due to their porous nature.

The urgency of the aircraft acquisition was underscored by the May 15, 2026 abduction of over 40 schoolchildren and their teachers at three different schools in Oriire Local Government Area — Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A Primary School and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle. The victims were eventually rescued after 56 days in captivity. Governor Makinde confirmed that the Air Force responded promptly after the abduction was reported by deploying a surveillance platform to assist security agencies involved in the search-and-rescue operation.

While briefing the Executive Council, Governor Makinde expressed regret that the aircraft were not operational during the rescue operation, stating that he would have loved the two surveillance aircraft to participate in the rescue mission during the Oriire incident. The Governor explained that the decision to make the aircraft operational rested on the professional and technical advice of the Chinese manufacturers rather than the state government. The State Executive Council maintained that adherence to safety and technical standards was more important than yielding to public pressure, noting that it was better to be on the side of caution rather than succumb to uninformed public pressure.

The state’s decision to acquire aerial platforms followed extensive consultations with the Nigerian Air Force to guarantee access to technical maintenance support, engineering expertise, and pilot training. Governor Makinde had earlier visited China to meet with manufacturers of surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, touring the facility of CETC Wuhu Diamond Aircraft Manufacturing Company Limited and agreeing on maintenance support and pilot training. He explained that the state procured the platforms after consultations with the Air Force to ensure access to maintenance support, engineering expertise and pilot training.

The deployment of the surveillance aircraft is expected to complement ongoing efforts by the state government to address insecurity and enhance the protection of lives and property across Oyo State. The investment underscores Governor Makinde’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-driven security strategies aimed at ensuring lasting peace and stability in the state. The aircraft will also strengthen collaborative security efforts, with enhanced intelligence sharing and coordinated operations benefiting not just Oyo but neighboring states grappling with banditry and kidnapping.

“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. The deployment of the aircraft is expected to complement ongoing efforts by the state government to address insecurity and enhance the protection of lives and property across Oyo State.

Oyo Receives Two Surveillance Aircraft Worth ₦7.7 Billion to Strengthen Security Operations

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Panic as Gunmen Storm Kaduna Estate at Midnight, Abduct Residents

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October 27, 2026

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Panic as Gunmen Storm Kaduna Estate at Midnight, Abduct Residents

 

KADUNA, Nigeria — Residents of Nuru Suraj Estate in the Millennium City area of Kaduna State have been thrown into panic after suspected kidnappers invaded the residential community in the early hours of Tuesday and reportedly abducted about six people.

 

The attack, which occurred between midnight and 1:00 a.m. on October 27, 2026, has renewed concerns over the safety of residents in the area, which has witnessed repeated kidnapping incidents in recent years.

 

According to reports, the attackers gained access to the estate through its second gate before carrying out the abductions, leaving residents frightened as the gunmen reportedly moved into the neighbourhood.

 

A resident identified as Maman Hamid, whose house is close to those of the victims, reportedly said the incident triggered panic among residents.

 

Hamid disclosed that military personnel pursued the suspected kidnappers following the attack, leading to the rescue of some of the victims. However, the assailants reportedly escaped.

 

The exact number of people rescued and the whereabouts of those who remained missing were not immediately established as of the time of filing this report.

 

The Kaduna State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the latest incident as of the time the reports were published.

 

The reported attack has raised fresh questions about security arrangements in residential estates around Millennium City, particularly the effectiveness of access controls, surveillance systems and security patrols.

 

Residents in communities on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis have repeatedly expressed concerns over the activities of suspected kidnappers, whose attacks have heightened fears among families living in the area.

 

The latest incident also comes barely three weeks after another abduction involving a family at Alrahus Estate, also in Millennium City.

 

On the night of October 6, suspected kidnappers reportedly abducted Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, his wife, Nafisah, and their six-month-old daughter, Fatima, alongside a pregnant woman in a separate incident reported in the area.

 

The family was subsequently rescued, with their ordeal attracting public attention and renewing calls for stronger security measures in the affected communities.

 

In another development, police authorities reportedly announced on October 12 the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers and four alleged informants during security operations around Millennium City and Maraban Rido. Weapons, including AK-47 rifles, were also reportedly recovered during the operations.

 

The arrests were seen as part of efforts to disrupt kidnapping networks and identify individuals suspected of providing information to criminal groups.

 

However, Tuesday’s reported attack has again highlighted the security challenges confronting residents, despite previous operations against suspected kidnapping gangs in the area.

 

The incident has reinforced calls for improved surveillance, tighter monitoring of estate entrances and exits, sustained security patrols and faster responses to distress calls.

 

For the affected families, the immediate concern remains the safety of those reportedly abducted and the efforts required to secure their release.

 

As of the time of filing this report, the identities of all the victims, the precise number still in captivity and the circumstances surrounding their possible rescue had not been fully established.

 

Residents are expected to look to security agencies for further information and decisive action to prevent further attacks on homes and residential communities in Kaduna State.

 

Panic as Gunmen Storm Kaduna Estate at Midnight, Abduct Residents

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Ansaru Claims Killing of Katsina Cleric Masussuka as Police Launch Manhunt

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12 hours ago

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October 27, 2026

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Ansaru Claims Killing of Katsina Cleric Masussuka as Police Launch Manhunt
Ansaru Claims Killing of Katsina Cleric Masussuka as Police Launch Manhunt

The reported claim of responsibility by Ansaru for the killing of Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka has added a new dimension to the investigation into the deadly attack in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, where the preacher and his associate, Adamu Abubakar, were shot dead.

The Katsina State Police Command said the attack occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, when two armed men riding on a motorcycle opened fire on the victims outside the cleric’s residence. Both men were rushed to a hospital but were pronounced dead.

The police have deployed tactical and operational teams to the area and commenced investigations to identify and arrest the attackers. The command said efforts were being intensified to bring those responsible to justice.

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Reports of the alleged Ansaru claim have circulated, but the group’s responsibility has not been independently established. The police have not publicly confirmed the claim, while the identities of the attackers and their motive remain unclear.

Masussuka was known for his Qur’an-centred teachings, which attracted both support and criticism among religious audiences. In 2025, the Katsina State Government reportedly intervened following complaints and threats linked to disputes over his teachings. However, no established evidence has connected those earlier disagreements to the killing.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the killings and directed the police and other security agencies to intensify efforts to track down, arrest and prosecute those responsible. Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda also condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation.

The investigation is ongoing, and the reported claim of responsibility should not be treated as confirmation of who carried out the attack until it is verified by investigators.

 

Ansaru Claims Killing of Katsina Cleric Masussuka as Police Launch Manhunt

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MURIC Accuses Police Contractor of Refusing to Rebuild Mosque at Lagos Barracks, Demands Equal Treatment

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12 hours ago

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October 27, 2026

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MURIC Accuses Police Contractor of Refusing to Rebuild Mosque at Lagos Barracks, Demands Equal Treatment
MURIC Accuses Police Contractor of Refusing to Rebuild Mosque at Lagos Barracks, Demands Equal Treatment

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has urged the Nigerian Police authorities to ensure that a contractor rebuilding religious worship centres at Ijeh Police Barracks in Obalende, Lagos, reconstructs both the mosque and the church, following allegations that the contractor intends to abandon the mosque because of his religious affiliation.

MURIC alleged that the contractor, who has reportedly commenced work on the church, refused to rebuild the mosque because he is a Catholic. The organisation called on the police authorities to investigate the allegation and ensure that both projects are completed in accordance with the terms of the contract.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the group’s Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said rebuilding one worship centre while leaving the other unattended would raise concerns about religious fairness, accountability and the use of public funds.

The organisation said the church and mosque were demolished between August 31 and September 1, 2026, and that the reconstruction project should provide for both Christian and Muslim worshippers living in the barracks.

Ijeh Police Barracks, located along St. Gregory’s College Road in Ikoyi, accommodates police personnel and their families, including Muslims and Christians. MURIC argued that providing worship facilities for both religious communities was important to maintaining fairness and peaceful coexistence.

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The group said the alleged refusal to rebuild the mosque, if established, would violate the terms of the contract and undermine confidence in the process.

MURIC urged the police authorities to call the contractor to order and ensure that work on both buildings progressed simultaneously. It also suggested that the contractor should be replaced if personal religious convictions prevented him from carrying out the full assignment.

The organisation further raised concerns about the reported allocation of land for the two worship centres, alleging that the church had been allocated 108 feet while the mosque was allocated 68 feet.

It called on the police authorities to explain the basis for the difference, arguing that the allocation should be guided by transparent and fair criteria.

MURIC also questioned the use of public funds for a project that, according to its account, was intended to cover both buildings. It maintained that taxpayers from different religious backgrounds contributed to public revenue and should receive equal consideration in the provision of public facilities.

The organisation cited reports concerning the provision of prayer space for Muslim visitors at the Vatican as an example of religious accommodation. It also raised broader concerns about alleged restrictions on Muslim workers and students seeking to observe Friday congregational prayers, known as Jumu’ah.

The group called on the police authorities to address both the alleged refusal to rebuild the mosque and the reported difference in land allocation, stressing that the issues required clarification to prevent further religious tension.

As of the time of the statement, MURIC’s allegations against the contractor and its claims concerning the land allocation had not been independently verified. There was also no response from the police authorities or the contractor included in the organisation’s press release.

The police authorities’ response, alongside clarification of the contract terms and land allocation, would help establish the circumstances surrounding the reconstruction project.

 

MURIC Accuses Police Contractor of Refusing to Rebuild Mosque at Lagos Barracks, Demands Equal Treatment

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