Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has taken delivery of two Diamond DA42 MNG Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, saying the new security assets will significantly enhance intelligence gathering and improve the protection of lives and property across the state.
The aircraft were received in the evening of Tuesday, July 28, at the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Alakia, Ibadan, marking what the governor described as another major investment in his administration’s efforts to tackle security challenges across Oyo State’s 33 local government areas.
Makinde said the acquisition was informed by the vast size of the state and the need to complement ground security operations with aerial surveillance.
According to him, the aircraft will begin operations immediately to support intelligence gathering and rapid response to security threats.
He explained that the decision to purchase the aircraft was taken long before the recent Oriire abduction incident, noting that the government remained committed to taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of residents.
“When we decided to purchase these two surveillance aircraft, it was because of the sheer size of Oyo State and the need to secure it. We knew we had to complement the boots on the ground,” the governor said.
Referring to public concerns following the Oriire incident, Makinde added that although the aircraft had not arrived at the time, they are now available and ready for deployment.
“We will always do what is right in the interest of our people because, in an atmosphere of insecurity, development cannot thrive,” he said.
The governor disclosed that the aircraft were flown into Ibadan by Nigerian Air Force pilots, revealing that the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Air Force to facilitate joint security operations.
He reassured residents that his administration would continue to prioritize their safety, stressing that security remains the bedrock of sustainable development.
“Our message to the people of Oyo State is that they should rest assured that their government will always be there to serve them,” Makinde stated.
Among those present at the handover ceremony were the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Commandant of the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd); deputy governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Engr. Mufutau Open-Salawu, and other senior government officials.
