The Oyo State Government has purchased two surveillance aircraft to combat illegal mining, kidnapping, and other security threats across the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this after the weekly State Executive Council meeting. He said the aircraft were acquired as part of the state’s renewed commitment to prevent banditry and enhance security.
According to him, although Oyo enjoys relative peace compared to other parts of Nigeria, there remain pockets of kidnapping and bandit activity that must be addressed.
He revealed that the two aircraft — DA 42 MNG models — are Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) planes equipped with advanced surveillance technology capable of tracking targets from various altitudes.
Oyelade explained that the aircraft were chosen over helicopters due to their lower maintenance costs, availability of spare parts, and compatibility with the Nigerian Air Force’s existing fleet, allowing for effective collaboration.
He noted that Oyo State, with a landmass of 28,454 square kilometres, is the largest in southern Nigeria and even larger than ten African countries. The aircraft cost ₦7.76 billion and will support the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies in locating and flushing out criminals from their hideouts.
The commissioner also highlighted that Oyo’s Amotekun has the largest personnel strength in the South West — 2,500 operatives — with 181 vehicles and 450 motorcycles. Operatives also receive the highest pay in the region, with a minimum salary of ₦116,000.
The Council further approved major infrastructure projects, including bridges, interchanges, and road clearance along the 110km Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, with a budget of ₦83.04 billion. It pledged that 72km would be completed before the current administration ends in 2027.
Additionally, asphalt upgrades to Secretariat Road, Trans Amusement UI–Sango Road, and Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Road were approved at ₦36.35 billion, while the reconstruction of the Mobil–Oluyole Industrial Estate Road will cost ₦6.8 billion.
The Council also sanctioned direct intervention in the maintenance of the Light-Up Oyo Solar Project with an immediate allocation of ₦595 million and a monthly upkeep cost of ₦190 million.