The Oyo State Executive Council has approved N7.7 billion for the procurement of two aircraft to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats in the state.
The approval was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan by the State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
Oyelade disclosed that the decision was made during the council’s weekly meeting on Tuesday, in line with the government’s renewed commitment to securing the state from criminal activities.
“The two light aircraft, DA 42 MNG model, to be procured, are Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, with sophisticated surveillance gadgets capable of identifying targets from high and low altitudes,” Oyelade said.
He explained that the state opted for fixed-wing aircraft over helicopters due to cost efficiency and ease of maintenance.
“The preference for these aircraft instead of helicopters is because they are less expensive to maintain. Its spare parts are accessible, and also, as the Nigerian Air Force possesses a number of the model, which gives room for synergy,” the commissioner added.
Oyelade noted that despite the relative peace in the state, incidents of kidnapping and banditry persist in some areas, necessitating enhanced security measures.
