Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has taken delivery of two Diamond DA42 MNG Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft purchased to strengthen security operations across the state.
The governor received the aircraft on Tuesday evening at the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Alakia, Ibadan. (Prime Business Africa)
Makinde described their arrival as a major step in his administration’s efforts to improve the protection of residents and property.
He said the aircraft would support aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering and faster responses to security threats across Oyo State’s 33 local government areas.
According to the governor, the state’s extensive landmass made it necessary to introduce additional technology into its security architecture.
The aircraft are designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and can assist security agencies in monitoring forests, border communities and other difficult-to-access locations.
They are expected to improve situational awareness and enable security personnel to receive information about emerging threats more quickly.
Makinde said the aircraft would be deployed immediately as part of efforts to sustain the relative peace in Oyo State.
He maintained that security remained essential to economic development, investment and the general welfare of residents.
The governor referred to the security incident in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the development demonstrated the need for stronger aerial intelligence and surveillance capabilities.
The Nigerian Air Force had previously provided surveillance support during operations connected with the Oriire incident while the Oyo-owned aircraft were undergoing assembly and technical preparations in Lagos. (The Guardian)
Makinde said Nigerian Air Force pilots flew the newly delivered aircraft into Ibadan.
He disclosed that the state government had negotiated a memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian Air Force covering cooperation in the operation of the surveillance platforms.
The partnership is expected to include technical assistance, pilot training and maintenance support for the aircraft.
Makinde had earlier explained that the Diamond DA42 platform was selected following consultations with the Nigerian Air Force because the service already operates aircraft in the same category.
He said access to technical expertise, spare parts, pilot training and maintenance support influenced the government’s decision.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in security equipment and other measures required to protect communities across Oyo State.
He assured residents that the government would continue working with federal security agencies to confront kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities.
The surveillance aircraft form part of a wider security strategy aimed at improving the state’s capacity to identify threats, coordinate responses and protect communities in rural and border areas.
