Two ₦7.7bn Surveillance Aircraft Arrive in Ibadan as Seyi Makinde Boosts Fight Against Insecurity

The two Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft purchased by the Oyo State Government for ₦7.7 billion have arrived in Ibadan, marking a major milestone in Governor Seyi Makinde‘s efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture.

The arrival of the aircraft comes weeks after the state government assured residents that delivery would be completed before the end of July, following delays caused by final assembly and testing by the manufacturers in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force.

According to the Oyo State Government, the surveillance aircraft are equipped with advanced intelligence-gathering technology designed to enhance aerial monitoring, detect criminal movements, and support security agencies in tracking kidnappers, bandits, illegal miners, and other criminal elements, particularly in the state’s vast forest reserves and border communities.

The deployment is expected to improve real-time intelligence gathering, enabling quicker responses to security threats and strengthening coordinated operations among the Nigerian Air Force, the police, Amotekun Corps, and other security agencies operating across Oyo State.

Governor Makinde had earlier explained that the aircraft, procured at a cost of ₦7.7 billion, were undergoing final assembly in Lagos after arriving in Nigeria from China. He noted that the temporary delay was due to technical installation and testing by engineers from the manufacturers before deployment.

The surveillance platforms were approved by the Oyo State Executive Council as part of a broader strategy to combat rising security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry, illegal mining, and cross-border criminal activities affecting communities within and around the state.

Security experts believe the aircraft will provide continuous aerial reconnaissance over difficult terrains that are often inaccessible to ground forces, improving intelligence-led operations and helping authorities identify criminal hideouts before attacks occur.

The arrival of the aircraft follows growing public anticipation over the project, which has attracted widespread attention since the state government first announced the procurement. With the aircraft now in Ibadan, residents expect the investment to translate into improved security and faster responses to emerging threats across Oyo State.

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