Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has formally received two surveillance aircraft purchased by the state government to strengthen intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, and rapid response to security threats across the state's vast territory. The governor took delivery of the two Diamond DA42MN-G aircraft at the newly upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Ibadan on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, marking the culmination of a security initiative first announced on July 8, 2025.
The acquisition, reportedly costing approximately ₦7.76 billion, represents what Makinde described as a long-term strategic investment rather than a reaction to recent security incidents, including the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area in May 2026. Speaking to journalists shortly after the aircraft landed at the Ibadan airport, the governor said the decision to procure the surveillance platforms was informed by Oyo State's expansive landmass and the need to complement conventional security operations with effective aerial intelligence.
"When we took the decision to purchase these surveillance aircraft, it was because of the sheer landmass, the size of our state. We knew that we had to complement the boots on the ground," Makinde said. He acknowledged criticism over the delay in the arrival of the aircraft but maintained that his administration remained focused on providing a lasting solution to the state's security challenges. "I've seen people criticise us and ask, 'Where are the aircraft?' But we planned for it so that we would be able to cover as much of the landmass of our state as possible within the shortest possible time," he said.
The governor disclosed that although recent security challenges, including abduction incidents, were not anticipated when the decision was made, the investment had proved timely. Makinde noted that improved security had helped schools resume normal academic activities, referring to the recent rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers. "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 said.
The aircraft will become operational immediately through a partnership between the Oyo State Government and the Nigerian Air Force. According to Makinde, Air Force pilots flew the aircraft into Ibadan, while the state had concluded negotiations on a Memorandum of Understanding with the 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 two Diamond DA42 MNG surveillance platforms 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. Their deployment is also expected to improve surveillance of remote communities, border corridors, and other vulnerable areas where criminal elements often operate.
The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, had earlier announced the arrival of the aircraft in a statement, describing it as another step in the state's efforts to strengthen security operations through improved intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance. Oyelade recalled that the government announced the purchase of the two surveillance aircraft on July 8, 2025, and noted that Governor Makinde had, on July 18, 2026, confirmed that the aircraft had arrived in Nigeria and were undergoing reassembly at the Nigerian Air Force's hangar in Lagos before their final deployment to Oyo State.
The governor expressed satisfaction that the aircraft had finally arrived, describing the development as evidence of his administration's commitment to taking proactive measures to safeguard residents and create an environment conducive to development. He stressed that meaningful development could not thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity. Makinde reassured residents that his administration would continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property through sustained investment in security. "My message to the people of Oyo State is that their government will always be there to serve them," he said.
The arrival of the two surveillance aircraft comes one year after Governor Makinde announced plans to acquire them and follows a period of heightened security concerns in the state, including the abduction of dozens of pupils, teachers, and other residents from three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. After 56 days in captivity, all surviving victims were eventually rescued. The acquisition of the surveillance aircraft is expected to significantly enhance the state's capacity to prevent such incidents in the future through improved aerial reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations.
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