Oyo State gets two N7.7 billion surveillance aircraft

The Oyo State Government has taken delivery of two advanced surveillance aircraft as part of a major investment to strengthen security operations across the state. The aircraft arrived at the Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Ibadan on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, marking the completion of a procurement process announced over a year ago.

Governor Seyi Makinde, who received the aircraft, described the acquisition as a significant step in enhancing the state's security architecture. He explained that the decision was driven by the need to complement ground security personnel given Oyo State's vast landmass, which requires sophisticated technology for effective monitoring. The governor stated that the aircraft, procured for approximately 7.76 billion naira, are Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance platforms designed to improve the detection of and response to security threats.

The aircraft are expected to commence operations immediately under a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Air Force. Makinde disclosed that the aircraft were flown into the state by Air Force pilots following a Memorandum of Understanding between the state and the military. This collaboration...