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• Makinde vows improved intelligence gathering
From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The Oyo State Government on Tuesday took delivery of two surveillance aircraft to strengthen intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and rapid response to security threats across the state.
Governor Seyi Makinde received the aircraft at the newly upgraded tarmac of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport. The state government had announced the procurement of the aircraft several months ago as part of efforts to reinforce its security architecture.
Speaking with journalists shortly after receiving the aircraft, Makinde said the procurement was conceived long before the abduction of pupils and teachers at Ahoro Community Grammar School in Oriire Local Government Area. He stressed that the acquisition formed part of a long-term security strategy and was not a reaction to the incident.
Makinde explained that the decision to acquire the aircraft was informed by Oyo State’s vast landmass and the need to complement conventional security operations with effective aerial surveillance.
“When we took the decision to purchase these surveillance aircraft, it was because of the sheer landmass, the size of our state. We knew that we had to complement the boots on the ground,” he said.
The governor acknowledged criticisms over the delay in the arrival of the aircraft but maintained that his administration remained focused on providing a lasting solution to the state’s security challenges.
“I’ve seen people criticise us and ask, ‘Where are the aircraft?’ But we planned for the aircraft so that we would be able to cover as much of the landmass of our state as possible within the shortest possible time.
“I’m glad that now it’s here and I believe we will always do what is right in the interest of our people because, in an atmosphere of insecurity, you can hardly do anything.”
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Makinde described security as the bedrock of development, noting that no meaningful economic or social progress could be achieved where lives and property were under threat. He also expressed relief over the recent rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire, saying the state could now return its full attention to its broader development agenda.
“People can say it is better now because our children are back, our teachers are back and we are moving on with the plan for Oyo State,” he said.
The governor disclosed that the aircraft would become operational immediately through a partnership between the Oyo State Government and the Nigerian Air Force.
According to him, Air Force pilots flew the aircraft into Ibadan, while the state had concluded negotiations on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Air Force to ensure their effective deployment.
“We are hitting the ground running. You can see they were flown by Air Force pilots. We have negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Air Force and we will be working on this together,” he said.
Makinde said the collaboration would ensure the aircraft were professionally operated while enhancing intelligence sharing and coordinated security operations across the state.
He reassured residents that his administration would continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property through sustained investment in security.
“My message to the people of Oyo State is that their government will always be there to serve them,” he said.
The two surveillance aircraft are expected to complement the operations of the Western Nigeria Security Network and other security agencies by enhancing aerial reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and rapid response to criminal activities.
Their deployment is also expected to improve surveillance of remote communities, border corridors and other vulnerable areas, further strengthening Oyo State’s overall security response.
