The Oyo State Government, on Tuesday, took delivery of two long-awaited surveillance aircraft it acquired to strengthen intelligence gathering and aerial security operations across the state.
Governor Seyi Makinde was at the airport in Ibadan to receive the aircraft upon their arrival.
This development fulfilled the state government’s earlier pledge to deliver the aircraft before the end of July.
In a statement by the state Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government stated that the arrival of the aircraft represents a major milestone in the state’s efforts to improve security through enhanced aerial surveillance and intelligence-led operations.
He recalled that the state government announced the acquisition of the two aircraft on July 8, 2025, as part of measures to enhance the operational capacity of security agencies in tackling emerging security threats.
According to him, Governor Makinde had, on July 18, 2026, disclosed that the aircraft had arrived in Nigeria and were undergoing reassembly at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos before their final deployment to Oyo State.
The commissioner noted that the government had assured residents about a week ago that the aircraft would arrive in the state before the end of July, adding that Tuesday’s delivery fulfilled that commitment.
He said the surveillance aircraft would support intelligence gathering and assist security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps and other security formations, in monitoring criminal activities and improving rapid response to security threats across the state.
“The arrival of the aircraft marks another step in the state’s efforts to strengthen security operations through improved intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance,” Oyelade said.
The deployment of the aircraft is expected to complement ongoing efforts by the state government to address insecurity and enhance the protection of lives and property across Oyo State.
