Oyo Strengthens Security with ₦7.76bn Surveillance Aircraft as Makinde Targets Kidnappers, Illegal Miners

The Oyo State Government has taken a significant step to bolster its security operations with the arrival of two advanced surveillance aircraft worth ₦7.76 billion, a move aimed at improving intelligence gathering and tackling kidnapping, banditry, illegal mining, and other security threats across the state.

Governor Seyi Makinde officially received the two Diamond DA42 MNG Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft on Tuesday at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, describing the acquisition as a strategic investment in the safety of residents.

The state government said the aircraft are equipped with advanced surveillance technology capable of providing real-time aerial intelligence over forests, border communities, remote settlements, and other areas that are difficult to monitor from the ground.

According to Governor Makinde, the new platforms will work alongside security personnel already deployed across the state, giving law enforcement agencies the intelligence needed to respond more quickly and effectively to emerging threats.

“We’re hitting the ground running,” the governor said, noting that the aircraft would complement “boots on the ground” by providing aerial surveillance across Oyo’s vast landmass.

Makinde also announced that the state has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to ensure the immediate deployment and operation of the aircraft.

Under the agreement, Nigerian Air Force pilots flew the surveillance aircraft from Lagos to Ibadan and will collaborate with state security agencies in operating the platforms.

The surveillance aircraft were approved by the Oyo State Executive Council in mid-2025, but their delivery was delayed due to the manufacturing and assembly process in China.

After arriving in Nigeria earlier this month, the aircraft underwent final reassembly, calibration, and testing at a Nigerian Air Force facility in Lagos before being flown to their permanent base in Ibadan.

Officials said the aircraft will be used to monitor criminal activities across Oyo State, including kidnapping, cross-border movements, illegal mining operations, and criminal hideouts located in forests and other hard-to-reach areas.

The investment comes at a time when security remains a major concern in parts of the state.

In May 2026, armed kidnappers abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that attracted national attention. The victims were eventually rescued in early July after spending nearly two months in captivity.

State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, described the arrival of the aircraft as a major milestone in Oyo’s evolving security strategy.

He said the new aerial platforms would strengthen intelligence gathering, improve coordination among security agencies, and support faster responses to emergencies across the state.

Security analysts have welcomed the acquisition, describing it as one of the most significant investments by a Nigerian state government in manned aerial surveillance technology.

Supporters argue that the aircraft will provide continuous intelligence capable of helping security agencies detect suspicious activities before they escalate into major security incidents.

However, the purchase has also generated public debate over its cost.

While many residents have applauded the government’s proactive approach to security, others have questioned whether spending ₦7.76 billion on two manned surveillance aircraft represents the most cost-effective solution amid current economic challenges. Some analysts have suggested that advanced surveillance drones could provide similar capabilities at a lower cost.

Despite the differing opinions, the Oyo State Government insists the aircraft will serve as a force multiplier for security agencies and significantly improve the state’s ability to prevent and respond to criminal activities.

With the aircraft now delivered and operational under the partnership with the Nigerian Air Force, attention will shift to how effectively the new aerial assets enhance intelligence gathering and contribute to reducing insecurity across Oyo State in the months ahead.