The Oyo State Government has officially taken delivery of its long-awaited surveillance aircraft, one year after Governor Seyi Makinde announced plans to acquire the security asset to strengthen intelligence gathering and enhance the state’s security architecture.
Speaking shortly after the two aircraft landed at the Ibadan airport, Governor Makinde described the development as the fulfilment of a strategic security initiative conceived to complement personnel on the ground across the state’s vast territory.
According to the governor, the decision to procure the surveillance Aircrafts was informed by Oyo State’s expansive landmass and the need for rapid aerial intelligence to support security operations.
“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,” he said.
Makinde noted that although the security challenges that later confronted the state, including the recent abduction incidents, were unforeseen, the government’s investment in aerial surveillance had proved to be timely.
“We didn’t know what was going to happen. I’ve seen people criticize us and ask, ‘Where is the aircraft?’ But we planned for it so that we would be able to cover as much of the state’s landmass as possible within the shortest time,” the governor stated.
Expressing satisfaction that the Aircrafts had finally arrived, Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to taking decisions that serve the best interests of residents.
“I’m glad that now it’s here, and I believe we will always do what is right in the interest of our people. In an atmosphere of insecurity, you can hardly do anything.
“Now, our children are back, our teachers are back, and we’re moving on with our plans,” he added.
The governor disclosed that the Aircrafts would become operational immediately, revealing that the state had entered into a partnership with the Nigerian Air Force to ensure its effective deployment.
“We’re hitting the ground running. You can see the aircraft was flown by Air Force pilots.
“We have negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Air Force, and we will be working together,” Makinde said.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritise their safety and welfare.
“My message to the people of Oyo State is that their government will always be there to serve them,” the governor said.
The arrival of the surveillance Aircrafts is expected to significantly enhance aerial reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations across Oyo State as the government intensifies efforts to tackle insecurity and protect lives and property.