Makinde Unveils Two High-Tech Surveillance Aircraft Worth ₦7.76 Billion

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has taken delivery of two surveillance aircraft acquired by the state government as part of efforts to strengthen security across the state.

The aircraft arrived on Tuesday at the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, nearly a year after Makinde unveiled plans to procure the platforms to enhance the state’s security architecture.

The delivery marks a significant step in the administration’s drive to improve intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and rapid response to emerging security threats.

The two aircraft, identified as Diamond DA42 MNG surveillance platforms, are expected to assist security agencies in monitoring forests, border communities and other hard-to-reach areas often used as hideouts by criminal elements.

The surveillance aircraft were reportedly purchased for approximately ₦7.76 billion and are specially equipped for intelligence, reconnaissance and aerial surveillance operations.

Their arrival follows earlier delays in assembly, with the state government previously indicating that the aircraft would be delivered before the end of July.

According to the Makinde administration, the aircraft will enhance intelligence gathering and support security operations, particularly along Oyo State’s borders with Kwara State and the Benin Republic, while improving the capacity of security agencies to respond swiftly to threats.