Oyo Takes Delivery of Surveillance Aircraft to Strengthen Security

The Oyo State Government has taken delivery of two surveillance aircraft, more than a year after announcing their procurement as part of efforts to strengthen security across the state.

The aircraft arrived at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, marking the completion of a project first unveiled by the state government in July 2025.

The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, describing the arrival as another milestone in the state’s strategy to enhance intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance.

According to him, the aircraft will improve the capacity of security agencies to monitor criminal activities, gather intelligence and respond rapidly to security threats within Oyo State and neighbouring areas.

The surveillance platforms are expected to complement the operations of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, as well as other security formations operating in the state.

Oyelade recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde had announced on July 18, 2026, that the aircraft had arrived in Nigeria and were undergoing reassembly at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos before being deployed to Oyo State.

He noted that the government had assured residents that the aircraft would arrive before the end of July, adding that the promise had now been fulfilled.

When the procurement was announced in July 2025, the state government said the two DA42 MNG aircraft were specifically acquired to enhance Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations.

According to the government, the aircraft are equipped with advanced surveillance technology capable of detecting and tracking targets from both high and low altitudes.

Officials said the acquisition forms part of the Makinde administration’s broader security architecture aimed at tackling kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities through technology-driven intelligence gathering.

The government expressed confidence that the aircraft would significantly improve coordination among security agencies operating in the state while strengthening ongoing efforts to protect lives and property.

Authorities also said the surveillance platforms would enhance monitoring of remote communities, support intelligence-led operations and improve emergency response capabilities across Oyo State.

The government added that integrating aerial surveillance into existing security operations would further boost the effectiveness of Amotekun and other agencies in preventing crime and responding swiftly to emerging security threats.