By George Omagbemi Sylvester
The Oyo State Government has officially taken delivery of two Diamond DA42 MNG surveillance aircraft valued at N7.76 billion, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to strengthen security and enhance intelligence gathering across the state.
The aircraft arrived on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, more than a year after Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration approved their procurement.
The acquisition, first announced in July 2025, forms part of the state’s broader security strategy aimed at tackling banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes through enhanced aerial surveillance and rapid response operations.
Announcing the arrival, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the aircraft would support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, providing real-time aerial monitoring for security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps, the police and other relevant formations.
He noted that the aircraft are equipped with advanced surveillance technology capable of detecting and tracking criminal activities from both high and low altitudes.
Governor Makinde had earlier disclosed on July 18, 2026, that the aircraft had arrived in Nigeria and were undergoing final assembly at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos before being deployed to Oyo State.
Their arrival fulfils the government’s promise that they would be operational before the end of July.
The Oyo State Government expressed optimism that the new surveillance platforms would significantly improve intelligence gathering, strengthen coordinated security operations and enhance the protection of lives and property across Oyo State and neighbouring communities.
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