Makinde unveils two new surveillance aircraft to combat insecurity

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has officially taken delivery of two long-awaited surveillance aircraft, a strategic acquisition aimed at bolstering the state's security architecture and intelligence gathering capabilities. The arrival of these aircraft, announced on Tuesday, marks the fulfillment of a year-long plan to enhance security assets.

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When we decided to purchase this surveillance aircraft, it was because of the sheer landmass and the size of our state. We knew that we had to complement the boots on the ground.

Speaking at the Ibadan airport, Governor Makinde described the acquisition as a crucial step in complementing the efforts of ground personnel across the state's expansive landmass. He explained that the decision was driven by the need for rapid aerial intelligence to support security operations effectively. "When we decided to purchase this surveillance aircraft, it was because of the sheer landmass and the size of our state. We knew that we had to complement the boots on the ground," Makinde stated.

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I'm glad that now it's here, and I believe we will always do what is right in the interest of our people.

The governor acknowledged that while the state had faced unforeseen security challenges, including recent abductions, the investment in aerial surveillance has proven timely. He expressed satisfaction with the aircraft's arrival, reaffirming his administration's commitment to decisions that serve the best interests of the 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," he said, adding that improved security has allowed children and teachers to return to normalcy.

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We're hitting the ground running. You can see the aircraft was flown by Air Force pilots. We have negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Air Force, and we will be working together.

The surveillance aircraft will become operational immediately, with the state entering into a partnership with the Nigerian Air Force for their effective deployment. "We're hitting the ground running. You can see the aircraft was flown by Air Force pilots. We have negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Air Force, and we will be working together," Makinde announced. The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, also stated that the arrival of the aircraft represents another step in strengthening security operations through improved intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance.

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The arrival of the aircraft marks another step in the state’s efforts to strengthen security operations through improved intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance.