Oyo Govt Finally Receives N7.7bn Surveillance Aircraft To Boost Security After Backlash

The Oyo state government says it has taken delivery of the two long-awaited security surveillance aircraft, more than a year after purchasing them.

On July 9, 2025, the Oyo state government announced the procurement of the aircraft, saying the acquisition cost N7.76 billion.

Dotun Oyelade, the commissioner for information, said the military assets would bolster security across the state.

“The two aircraft already procured cost N7,763,360,000 and will effectively back up Amotekun and other security forces in the state to prevent and destroy bandits in their hideouts,” Oyelade said at the time.

“The two DA 42 MNG model aircraft are for Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations and are equipped with sophisticated surveillance gadgets capable of identifying targets from both high and low altitudes.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Oyelade announced the arrival of the aircraft at Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, the state capital, saying they would strengthen aerial surveillance, intelligence-gathering and rapid security response across Oyo and neighbouring states.

“The arrival of the aircraft marks another step in the state’s efforts to strengthen security operations through improved intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance,” the statement reads.

“The aircraft are expected to support security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps and other relevant formations, in monitoring criminal activities and improving response efforts across the state,” he said.