Chinese technical experts have arrived in Nigeria to begin the assembly of surveillance aircraft procured by the Oyo State Government, as part of efforts to strengthen security operations following recent attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The aircraft are currently being assembled at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos, where foreign engineers are working alongside local personnel to complete installation, calibration and testing ahead of deployment.
Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed the development while briefing journalists in Ibadan, noting that the surveillance platforms are expected to become fully operational before the end of June.
He explained that the aircraft will support aerial monitoring of strategic and vulnerable areas, including the Oyo–Kwara boundary and Nigeria’s international border with the Republic of Benin, to improve early detection of security threats and enhance response coordination.
Makinde said the project was conceived as part of a long-term security strategy and not solely in response to the recent abduction incident in Oriire, where 32 pupils and teachers were reportedly kidnapped during an attack on a school.
He added that the foreign technical team arrived in the country a few days ago and is expected to complete assembly and testing within about two weeks before final deployment.
According to the governor, seven students have so far been confirmed among those abducted, while coordinated rescue operations involving security agencies are ongoing to secure their safe return.
Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the victims are rescued alive, stressing that the state will not succumb to threats from armed groups.
He also called for public support for security agencies, urging residents to provide timely and credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
The governor further advised against the spread of unverified or sensational reports, saying such actions could interfere with security efforts on the ground.
He maintained that the introduction of surveillance aircraft represents a major upgrade to Oyo State’s security architecture aimed at improving surveillance, border control and rapid response to emerging threats.
