Oyo takes delivery of two surveillance aircraft to fight banditry

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Oyo State Government has taken a major step to strengthen its security architecture with the acquisition of two Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft aimed at improving aerial monitoring, intelligence gathering and rapid response to criminal activities across the state.

The aircraft, identified as Diamond DA42 MNG ISR platforms, were procured at a cost of ₦7.763 billion and are expected to enhance surveillance along Oyo State’s borders with Kwara State and the Republic of Benin, areas considered vulnerable to the activities of bandits and other cross-border criminals.

The acquisition comes amid growing security concerns following recent attacks in parts of Oyo State, including the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

Governor Seyi Makinde had disclosed that the surveillance aircraft were procured as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the state’s capacity to prevent and respond to security threats before they escalate.

According to the state government, delivery of the aircraft was delayed because their components required assembly by the Chinese manufacturers at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) hangar in Lagos. Officials said the government opted to wait for the completion of all technical and safety procedures before deploying the aircraft rather than rushing them into service.

Makinde had expressed regret that the aircraft were not operational during the rescue mission for victims of the Oriire school abduction but stressed that deployment depended on the professional advice of the manufacturers and aviation experts.

The Diamond DA42 MNG aircraft are designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, providing real-time aerial imagery and monitoring capabilities that can support security agencies in tracking criminal movements, securing forests and border communities, and coordinating rapid interventions.

The state government said the platforms will complement ongoing collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies, which have already deployed surveillance aircraft to support rescue operations during previous kidnapping incidents in the state.

Security analysts believe the aerial assets could significantly improve intelligence-led policing in Oyo, particularly in remote communities where difficult terrain has often limited the effectiveness of conventional security operations.

With the new surveillance aircraft expected to become fully operational, the Makinde administration says it is reinforcing its commitment to protecting lives and property while improving security across Oyo State and neighbouring border communities.