The Oyo State Government has taken delivery of two surveillance aircraft at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan.
The aircraft landed on Tuesday, one year after Governor Seyi Makinde announced plans to acquire them to boost intelligence gathering and security in the state.
Speaking after their arrival, Governor Makinde said the procurement was part of a strategic initiative to complement ground security personnel across the state’s vast territory.
“When we took the decision to purchase these surveillance aircraft, it was because of the sheer landmass and size of our state. We knew that we had to complement the boots on the ground,” he said.
The governor noted that although recent security challenges, including abduction incidents, were unforeseen, the investment in aerial surveillance had proved timely.
“We didn’t know what was going to happen. I’ve seen people criticize us and ask, ‘Where is the aircraft?’ But we planned for it so that we would be able to cover as much of the state’s landmass as possible within the shortest time,” Makinde stated.
He expressed satisfaction that the aircraft had finally arrived and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to decisions in the best interest of residents.
“I’m glad that now it’s here, and I believe we will always do what is right in the interest of our people. 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.
Makinde disclosed that the aircraft would become operational immediately, adding that the state had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Air Force for effective deployment.
“We’re hitting the ground running. You can see the aircraft was flown by Air Force pilots. We have negotiated an MoU with the Nigerian Air Force, and we will be working together,” he said.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritise their safety and welfare.
“My message to the people of Oyo State is that their government will always be there to serve them,” the governor added.
The arrival of the aircraft is expected to enhance aerial reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations as the government intensifies efforts to tackle insecurity and protect lives and property.
