Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, took delivery of two surveillance aircraft that his administration bought to strengthen security operations in the state.

The long-awaited surveillance aircraft arrived at the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, more than a year after the state government announced its purchase.

“Today, we took delivery of the two DA42MN-G aircraft procured by our administration for security surveillance and reconnaissance missions in Oyo State,” Mr Makinde said in a Facebook post.

“We are grateful to the officers of the Nigerian Air Force who provided support and guidance throughout this process, and we look forward to continued collaboration on the security of our dear State and nation,” he added.

The state commissioner of information, Dotun Oyelade, said in a statement on Tuesday that the aircraft would strengthen aerial surveillance, intelligence-gathering and rapid security response in the state.

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

“Governor Seyi Makinde had, on July 18, 2026, confirmed that the aircraft had arrived in Nigeria and were undergoing reassembly at the Nigerian Air Force’s hangar in Lagos.

“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,” the commissioner said.

In July 2025, Mr Oyelade announced that the aircraft cost N7.76 billion.

“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,” Mr Oyelade said at the time.

On June 6, the Peoples Gazette reported that Mr Makinde, while receiving the Nigerian Air Force delegation led by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke, stated that the surveillance aircraft procured by his administration to boost the security architecture of the state was being assembled.

Public concern about the whereabouts of the aircraft emerged after 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.