Òyó Govt to beef up State Security with N7.7bn Aircraft Procurement

…… aircraft aim to support Amotekun, others

July 9, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

The Òyó State Government has taken a significant step towards enhancing security in the state with the approval of N7.7 billion for the procurement of two aircraft.

This move is part of the government’s renewed determination to secure the state from security threats, particularly in combating illegal mining and kidnapping.

According to the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the state enjoys relative peace compared to other states, but the government will not be complacent due to pockets of kidnappings and banditry in parts of the state.

“The Council noted that though Oyo State enjoys relative peace compared to other States in the federation, the Government will not be complacent because there are still pockets of kidnappings and banditry going on in parts of the State.”

The two aircraft, DA 42 MNG model, are Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft with sophisticated surveillance gadgets. Prince Dotun Oyelade explained that the preference for these aircraft is due to their lower maintenance cost and accessibility of spare parts.

“The preference for these aircraft instead of helicopters is because they are less expensive to maintain, the spare parts are accessible and also as the Nigeria Air Force possesses a number of the model, which gives room for synergy.”

The aircraft will support Amotekun and other security forces in preventing and destroying bandits in their hideouts. Prince Dotun Oyelade highlighted Amotekun’s strengths, stating, “Of all the South West Security Networks, Amotekun in Òyó State has the highest number of staff, 2,500 of them, the highest number of vehicles, 181, and the highest number of motorcycles, 450.” He also noted that Amotekun staff are the highest paid in the Southwest.

This development is a fulfillment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s promise to build an airstrip for security surveillance at Igbeti and Otu.

Recall that Governor Makinde stated on April 2025 that his administration will fulfill its promise to build an airstrip for security surveillance at Igbeti and Otu.

He stated this at the End-time Cry Bible Church, Igbeti, Oyo State, at the funeral ceremony of Madam Victoria Omolayo Oni, stepmother of Honourable Abiodun Oni, the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the Òyó State Solid Minerals Development Agency.

The Òyó State Government has also approved various infrastructure projects, including the construction of bridges and interchanges, and the clearance of the Northeast and Southwest segment of the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project.

The government assured that 72km of the Circular road would be completed by 2027.

The council approved the commencement of direct intervention in operations and maintenance of the Light-up Oyo Solar Project with N595 million.