Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has finally spoken on the whereabouts and operational status of the state's N7.7 billion surveillance aircraft project, following public criticism amid recent security challenges in parts of the state. The governor clarified that the aircraft are not missing but are currently undergoing final assembly and testing with the Nigerian Air Force in Lagos.
Aircraft Undergoing Final Assembly in Lagos
Makinde explained that the surveillance platforms have already arrived in Nigeria and are being worked on by engineers as part of the final stage of deployment. He added that the equipment, being handled in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, is expected to be fully operational in the coming weeks. The delay, according to him, is due to technical assembly processes being carried out by specialists from the manufacturer.
Makinde: 'They Should Be in Operation Before End of June'
The governor expressed confidence that the project will soon be completed and deployed for security operations across the state and neighbouring border areas. 'They've arrived in the country as of today. They are with the Nigerian Air Force and are being assembled in Lagos. The manufacturer's engineers from China arrived about three days ago, and they will need roughly two weeks to complete the work. I can say conclusively that those surveillance aircraft should be in operation on or before the end of June,' he said.
He added that the project was intended to strengthen surveillance along border communities and improve rapid response to security threats. 'We were proactive because we wanted to monitor the boundary between Oyo and Kwara, and also the international border area. However, we did not anticipate the security situation escalating at this time,' he noted.
Oyo Government Invites Public Verification of Project
Makinde further stated that the state government is open to inspection of the project by interested parties. 'If anybody is interested, we can always arrange for them to visit the Nigerian Air Force base in Lagos to see the work that is ongoing,' he said.
Oyo Attack: President Tinubu Speaks
In a related development, President Bola Tinubu has condemned the 'barbaric' killing of one of the teachers abducted from the Esiele community in Oyo State. The president pledged that his administration will support state governments that have set up security outfits to safeguard their people from terrorists bent on disrupting Nigeria's peace.
