The Oyo State Government has taken delivery of two Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft procured to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve security operations across the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, announced the development in a statement on Tuesday, saying the aircraft’s arrival in Ibadan fulfilled the government’s commitment to deliver them before the end of July.
According to Oyelade, the acquisition is part of Governor Makinde’s efforts to enhance the operational capacity of security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across Oyo State.
He recalled that the government first announced the procurement of the aircraft on 8 July 2025 as part of a broader plan to improve the state’s security architecture through technology-driven solutions.
Oyelade also noted that Governor Seyi Makinde had disclosed on 18 July 2026 that the aircraft had arrived in Nigeria and were being reassembled at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos before deployment to Oyo State.
He said the government subsequently assured residents that the aircraft would arrive before the end of July, a promise that has now been fulfilled.
The Commissioner explained that the surveillance aircraft would significantly improve intelligence gathering and provide aerial support for security operations, particularly for the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, and other security agencies combating criminal activities across the state.
He added that Governor Makinde was at the airport to receive the aircraft on arrival.
The aircraft are expected to enhance aerial monitoring of forests, border communities and other difficult-to-access locations, enabling security agencies to respond more quickly to criminal activities, including kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.
They are also expected to strengthen surveillance along Oyo State’s borders with Kwara State and the Republic of Benin, areas identified by the government as vulnerable to cross-border criminal activities.
The acquisition comes months after the state faced renewed security concerns following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that prompted the government to fast-track the deployment of the aircraft.
Governor Makinde had earlier expressed regret that the aircraft were not operational during the rescue mission because their assembly by the Chinese manufacturers had not been completed.
The two Diamond DA42 MNG ISR aircraft were procured at a total cost of ₦7.763 billion and form part of the state’s broader investment in technology-driven security measures aimed at protecting lives and property.
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