Makinde has set standards for states in tackling insecurity -

By Oluseye Ojo

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has set a benchmark for other states in Nigeria in the fight against insecurity with the acquisition of two surveillance aircraft to strengthen Oyo State’s security architecture.

The Allied People’s Movement (APM) candidate for Oyo Central, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, made the observation in his reaction to the arrival of the two surveillance aircraft procured by the Oyo State Government.

He described the development as a bold and strategic investment that would significantly enhance intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and rapid response to security threats across the state.

According to him, the successful delivery of the aircraft has demonstrated Makinde’s commitment to tackling criminality and protecting lives and property, while proving wrong critics who doubted the governor’s promise to procure the platforms.

“Governor Makinde has set a standard for other states in Nigeria to follow in tackling insecurity and criminality. The arrival of these surveillance aircraft is a testimony to his determination to wipe out criminality,” Ajadi said.

The APM chieftain added that the aircraft would enable security agencies to detect criminal activities early, improve intelligence gathering and support swift intervention before security situations escalate.

He expressed confidence that the new aerial assets would help security operatives track criminals more effectively, prevent attacks and apprehend offenders in the act.

Ajadi described Makinde as a thorough democrat and a genuine, painstaking leader, noting that the governor had again demonstrated visionary leadership through sustained investment in security.

He also said the arrival of the aircraft had silenced critics and detractors, who had questioned the government’s commitment to the project.

“Those who thought Governor Makinde was lying about the purchase of the aircraft have now been put to shame. They can now see that they cannot destroy the good name and good work of His Excellency,” he said.

The two surveillance aircraft were received by Governor Makinde on Tuesday at the newly upgraded tarmac of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, about one year after the state announced plans to acquire them as part of efforts to strengthen security operations.

Speaking during the reception, Makinde said the investment would substantially improve intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and rapid response to security threats across Oyo State.

The governor clarified that the decision to procure the aircraft predated the abduction of pupils and teachers at Ahoro Community Grammar School in Oriire Local Government Area, stressing that the acquisition formed part of the state’s long-term security strategy rather than a reaction to the incident.

Ajadi commended the governor’s courage and resolve, saying the procurement underscored his determination to reduce, if not eliminate insecurity in the state.

He added that the arrival of the aircraft was particularly reassuring as it came only weeks after the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Orire Local Government Area.