The Oyo State Government has announced that Governor Seyi Makinde plans to acquire two aircraft to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other insecurity issues.
The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a statement released after the Executive Council meeting. He stated that insecurity will be tackled through the immediate procurement of these aircraft to address the threats posed by illegal miners, kidnappers, and other security challenges, especially in the vast hinterland of the state.
Oyelade explained that the procurement was approved as part of the government’s renewed commitment to protect the state from the influx of bandits and their criminal activities.
According to the Commissioner, the council observes that although Oyo State enjoys relative peace compared to other states in Nigeria, it remains vigilant because there are still areas experiencing kidnappings and banditry.
The two light aircraft, DA 42 MNG model, are Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft equipped with advanced surveillance technology capable of identifying targets from both high and low altitudes.
He noted that the preference for these aircraft over helicopters stems from their lower maintenance costs, the availability of spare parts, and the fact that the Nigeria Air Force already operates several models of this type, allowing for synergy.
Oyo State, he said, has the largest landmass in the Southern part of Nigeria, covering 28,454 square kilometres, which is larger than ten African countries.
The two aircraft are expected to cost ₦7,763,360,000 and will enhance the efforts of Amotekun and other security forces in the state to combat bandits in their hideouts.
Oyelade added that among the South West Security Networks, Amotekun in Oyo State has the highest number of personnel, with 2,500 staff, the most vehicles, numbering 181, and the most motorcycles, totalling 450.
He further mentioned that Amotekun staff are the highest paid in the South West, with a minimum monthly salary of ₦116,000.
The Council also approved the construction of bridges, interchanges, and the clearance of the Northeast and Southwest segments of the 110km Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project, particularly from the Molarere, Odo-oba, and
Abiola Ajimobi Technical University areas, at a cost of ₦83,037,000,000.
It assured that 72km of the Circular road will be completed by the end of this administration’s tenure in 2027.
Additionally, the Council approved asphaltic improvements to the Secretariat road, Trans Amusement UI – Sango road, and Obafemi Awolowo Stadium road at ₦2,327,072,134.68. The reconstruction of the Mobil-Oluyole Industrial Estate road network will be completed at ₦6,801,000,000.
Finally, the council approved the commencement of direct intervention in the operations and maintenance of the Light-up Oyo Solar Project, with a total allocation of ₦595,000,000, supplemented by an additional ₦190,000,000 allocated monthly for ongoing operations and maintenance.
