PHOTO STORY: Oyo receives N7.7 billion surveillance aircraft to strengthen security operations

The Oyo State Government has taken delivery of two surveillance aircraft procured for about N7.76 billion, more than a year after announcing plans to acquire them to strengthen security operations across the state.

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The Diamond DA42 Multi-Purpose Platform (MNG) aircraft arrived at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, on Tuesday.

The delivery comes as state governments increasingly invest in security assets to complement federal security agencies amid persistent concerns over kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in parts of the country. Oyo, like several states in the South-west, has in recent years recorded incidents of kidnappings and attacks along highways and in some rural communities, prompting increased investment in intelligence-led security operations.

The Oyo State Government first announced the procurement of the aircraft in July 2025, describing them as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms designed to improve the state’s ability to detect and respond to security threats.

At the time, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the aircraft would complement the operations of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, and other security agencies by providing aerial intelligence to track criminal activities and identify targets at both high and low altitudes.

Announcing the aircraft’s arrival on Tuesday, Mr Oyelade said the delivery marked another milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen security through technology-driven intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance.

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According to him, the aircraft will support security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps and other relevant formations, in monitoring criminal activities, enhancing surveillance, and improving rapid-response operations across Oyo State and neighbouring states.

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The state government said the aircraft are equipped with advanced surveillance systems designed for intelligence-gathering missions and are expected to improve coordination among security agencies during operations.