Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the surveillance aircraft procured by his administration to boost the security architecture of the state will be ready soon.

Mr Makinde made the disclosure when he received the Nigerian Air Force delegation led by the chief of the air staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke, in his office in Ibadan on Friday.

“As I said during one of my updates, the surveillance aircraft which our administration procured for Oyo State is currently at the Air Force Base in Lagos. We look forward to receiving the assembled aircraft very soon so that it can be used for the purpose for which it was procured,” the governor said. 

Mr Makinde stated that the surveillance missions carried out by officers of NAF had given his administration tremendous insights into what the ground troops were facing. 

The government appreciated the NAF for their assistance especially during the current security challenge in the state.

Surveillance aircraft are specialised fixed-wing planes, helicopters and drones utilised by military, defence and law enforcement agencies to monitor large areas, track suspect movements and gather intelligence from high altitudes. 

They are also valuable in providing critical, real-time data across borders, oceans and disaster zones.

The Makinde administration procured the aircraft to advance the use of technology in strengthening security in the state.

Recall that about 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted in Esiele and Yawota communities in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state on May 15.

Days ago, gunmen also kidnapped a former power minister Adebayo Adelabu’s sister Olajide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twin sons. 

The governor assured that the abducted victims would be safely rescued and reunited with their families.