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The Nigerian Air Force has deployed an aerial surveillance aircraft to support efforts to rescue teachers and pupils abducted from two communities in Oyo State, authorities said on Sunday.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF spokesman, said in a statement that Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed the deployment during a courtesy visit by representatives of the Chief of the Air Staff and the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command on Friday.
According to Makinde, the Air Force deployed a surveillance platform as soon as the kidnapping was reported, and it has since continued to supply intelligence to security agencies engaged in the search and rescue effort.
The governor claims that information obtained from the surveillance missions has been crucial in monitoring events and organising actions meant to secure the victims’ release.
“The NAF promptly deployed an aerial surveillance platform immediately after the abduction was reported, providing critical intelligence to support search-and-rescue operations,” Makinde was quoted as saying.
“Intelligence generated from the surveillance missions has continued to assist security agencies in tracking developments and coordinating efforts towards securing the safe release of the victims.”
Makinde also appealed to residents of the affected communities and the state at large to remain patient and support ongoing security operations.
He assured them that all necessary resources were being deployed to resolve the incident.
The governor commended the Chief of the Air Staff and the Nigerian Air Force for their swift response and sustained support, noting that the surveillance aircraft was made available while Oyo State’s newly acquired aerial assets were still being assembled at the NAF Base in Lagos.
“The Air Force made the surveillance platform available while Oyo State’s newly acquired aerial assets are still being assembled at the NAF Base, Lagos,” he said.
The governor clarified that after consulting with the Nigerian Air Force, the state government purchased the aerial platforms to ensure access to engineering know-how, pilot training, and maintenance support.
He expressed hope that once the assets are fully operational, they will greatly improve security operations in Oyo and nearby states.
