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

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