The Oyo State Government has received two surveillance aircraft acquired to strengthen intelligence gathering and enhance security operations across the state.
The arrival of the aircraft in Ibadan was confirmed on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who described the development as a major milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to deploy technology-driven solutions to address security challenges.
According to Oyelade, the delivery fulfils an earlier promise by the state government that the aircraft would arrive before the end of July.
He recalled that the administration first announced the acquisition on July 8, 2025, as part of a broader security strategy aimed at improving intelligence gathering, surveillance and operational efficiency among security agencies operating in the state.
The commissioner explained that Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier disclosed on July 18, 2026, that the aircraft had arrived in Nigeria and were undergoing reassembly at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos before being deployed to Oyo State.
“With the arrival of these aircraft in Ibadan, the government has fulfilled its commitment to residents that the equipment would be delivered before the end of July,” he said.
Oyelade noted that the surveillance aircraft would significantly improve aerial monitoring and intelligence collection capabilities, enabling security agencies to detect and respond more effectively to criminal activities.
He added that the aircraft would particularly support the operations of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, alongside other security agencies responsible for maintaining law and order across the state.
The commissioner stated that enhanced aerial surveillance would improve the capacity of security operatives to monitor forests, remote communities and other difficult-to-access areas often exploited by criminal elements.
He disclosed that Governor Makinde personally received the aircraft upon their arrival, underscoring the administration’s commitment to strengthening security architecture across Oyo State.
Security analysts have increasingly advocated the adoption of modern surveillance technologies to complement conventional policing methods, especially as criminal networks become more sophisticated and mobile.
The acquisition of the aircraft forms part of Oyo State’s broader investment in intelligence-led security operations, which the government believes will contribute to safeguarding lives, protecting property and improving public confidence in security institutions.
Authorities expressed optimism that the deployment of the aircraft will improve coordination among security agencies and support proactive responses to emerging threats across the state.
The development comes amid growing calls for state governments to adopt innovative technological solutions to address security challenges and support national efforts to combat crime.
