The Oyo State Government has taken delivery of two surveillance aircraft to improve security operations across the state, with Governor Seyi Makinde saying the new aircraft will boost intelligence gathering, aerial monitoring and quick response to security threats.
The aircraft arrived on Tuesday at the upgraded tarmac of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, nearly one year after the state announced plans to acquire them as part of efforts to improve its security system.
Makinde said the decision to purchase the aircraft was made long before the recent abduction of pupils and teachers from Ahoro Community Grammar School in Oriire Local Government Area. According to him, the purchase was part of a long-term security strategy rather than a response to that incident.
He explained that Oyo's large land area made it necessary to support security personnel on the ground with aerial surveillance to improve coverage and response time.
The governor said although some residents had questioned the delay in the arrival of the aircraft, the government remained committed to providing lasting solutions to security challenges. He added that the investment would help security agencies monitor more parts of the state within a shorter period.
Makinde described security as a key requirement for economic and social development, saying no state can achieve meaningful progress if lives and property are constantly under threat.
He also welcomed the safe return of the pupils and teachers who were recently abducted in Oriire, saying the government could now continue its development plans for the state.
The governor disclosed that the aircraft would begin operations immediately through a partnership with the Nigerian Air Force. He said Air Force pilots flew the aircraft into Ibadan and confirmed that both parties had already agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding to support their deployment.
According to him, the partnership will ensure that the aircraft are professionally operated while improving intelligence sharing and coordinated security operations across Oyo State.
Makinde assured residents that his administration would continue investing in measures aimed at protecting lives and property, promising that the government would remain committed to making the state safe for both residents and investors.
The surveillance aircraft are expected to support the operations of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, alongside other security agencies by improving aerial reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and rapid response to criminal activities.
They are also expected to strengthen monitoring of remote communities, border areas and other vulnerable locations across the state.
0 Comments
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed on this platform as comments were freely made by each person under his or her own volition or responsibility and were neither suggested nor dictated by the owners of News PLATFORM or any of their contracted staff. So we take no liability whatsoever for such comments.
Please take note!