NAF Deploys Surveillance Aircraft to Track Abducted Oyo Teachers, Pupils

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed an aerial surveillance aircraft to support ongoing efforts to rescue teachers and pupils abducted from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

This was disclosed by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, during a courtesy visit by representatives of the Chief of the Air Staff and the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the governor said the Air Force responded immediately after the abduction was reported by deploying a surveillance platform to assist security agencies involved in the search-and-rescue mission.

Makinde explained that intelligence gathered from the surveillance operations has played a crucial role in tracking developments and coordinating rescue efforts aimed at securing the safe release of the victims.

“The NAF promptly deployed an aerial surveillance platform immediately after the abduction was reported, providing critical intelligence to support search-and-rescue operations,” the governor said.

He added that intelligence generated from the missions has continued to aid security operatives in monitoring activities and improving operational coordination in the affected areas.

The governor appealed to residents of the affected communities and other citizens across the state to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts to rescue the victims continue.

He assured residents that all necessary resources were being deployed to ensure the successful resolution of the incident and the safe return of those abducted.

Makinde also commended the Chief of the Air Staff and the Nigerian Air Force for their swift intervention and continued support in tackling security challenges in the state.

According to him, the surveillance aircraft was made available while Oyo State’s newly acquired aerial assets are still being assembled at a Nigerian Air Force base in Lagos.

The deployment forms part of a broader security response involving intelligence gathering, aerial monitoring, and inter-agency collaboration aimed at locating the abductors and securing the release of the kidnapped teachers and pupils.