Oyo State has strengthened its security architecture with the arrival of two Diamond DA42 Multi-Purpose surveillance aircraft, as Governor Seyi Makinde pledged their immediate deployment to bolster intelligence gathering and combat crime across the state.
The aircraft landed at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, on Tuesday, completing a procurement process initiated by the state government in 2025.
The platforms are expected to enhance aerial surveillance, intelligence collection and rapid response to security threats, including kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities.
Receiving the aircraft, Governor Makinde said the acquisition was informed by Oyo State’s vast landmass and the need to reinforce security operations with modern technology.
“When we took the decision 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,” the governor said.
Makinde noted that while the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area was an unfortunate development, it underscored the importance of investing in advanced security infrastructure.
He disclosed that the surveillance aircraft would become operational immediately under a partnership with the Nigerian Air Force, which will provide pilots and technical expertise for their deployment.
“We’re hitting the ground running. We have negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Air Force, and we will be working together,” he added.
Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the delivery fulfilled the government’s promise that the aircraft would arrive before the end of July.
He explained that the platforms would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen aerial patrols and support the operations of the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies in tackling criminal activities within Oyo State and adjoining areas.
The Oyo State Government approved the procurement of the two Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft in July 2025 at a cost of about N7.76 billion as part of efforts to modernise the state’s security framework and improve public safety.
