Following recent security concerns in parts of Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde has disclosed that the state’s surveillance aircraft (drones) project will become operational before the end of June, in partnership with the Nigerian Air Force.
The governor made the disclosure while addressing journalists in Ibadan, revealing that the aircraft had already arrived in Nigeria and were currently undergoing reassembly at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos.
According to him, engineers from China are expected to complete the final installations within weeks.
Techeconomy’s earlier report had raised questions over the the Oyo State government’s two Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft which appeared missing in action as terrorists invaded schools and abducted pupils and their teachers.
The State has acquired the surveillance drones as part of efforts to strengthen security architecture across the state and neighbouring border communities.
Makinde explained that the aircraft would support intelligence gathering and security monitoring along the Oyo-Kwara border corridor as well as areas bordering the Republic of Benin, which authorities consider vulnerable to criminal activities.
The governor’s latest update comes amid ongoing rescue operations following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. He assured residents that security agencies were intensifying efforts to secure the release of the victims while strengthening preventive security measures across the state.
Recall that the Oyo State Executive Council had approved about ₦7.7 billion for the procurement of the DA 42 MNG surveillance aircraft, describing them as critical tools for combating kidnapping, illegal mining, banditry, and other security threats.
According to state officials, the aircraft were selected for their lower maintenance cost, operational efficiency, and compatibility with existing Nigerian Air Force systems, enabling closer collaboration between the state and federal security agencies.
