Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that the state’s surveillance aircraft project will become operational before the end of June as part of efforts to strengthen security across the state and neighbouring border communities.
Makinde made the disclosure while addressing journalists in Ibadan, explaining that the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft had already arrived in Nigeria and were currently being reassembled at a Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos. According to him, engineers from China are expected to complete the final installations within the next few weeks.
The governor said the project was being executed in partnership with the Nigerian Air Force and would enhance intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and security monitoring in vulnerable areas, particularly along the Oyo and Kwara border corridor as well as communities bordering the Republic of Benin.
The development comes amid growing security concerns in parts of the state and ongoing rescue efforts following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. Makinde assured residents that security agencies were intensifying operations to secure the release of the victims while also strengthening preventive security measures to forestall further attacks.
The surveillance aircraft project had earlier attracted public attention following concerns raised over the whereabouts of the two aircraft acquired by the state government, especially after incidents of insecurity involving attacks on schools and abductions in some communities.
Recall that the Oyo State Executive Council approved about N7.7 billion for the procurement of the DA 42 MNG surveillance aircraft, which government officials described as critical tools in the fight against kidnapping, illegal mining, banditry and other criminal activities threatening the state and surrounding regions.
State officials also explained that the aircraft were selected because of their operational efficiency, relatively low maintenance cost and compatibility with existing Nigerian Air Force systems, a development expected to strengthen collaboration between the state government and federal security agencies in tackling insecurity.