By: Ganiyu Olayinka
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed an aerial surveillance platform to support search-and-rescue operations following the kidnapping of teachers and students from the communities of Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed this on Friday during a visit by senior Air Force officials, including the representative of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh. The visit was confirmed in a statement by NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
According to the governor, the Air Force responded swiftly after the abduction was reported, deploying a surveillance aircraft that has since been providing critical intelligence to security agencies coordinating the rescue effort.
“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 said.
The governor appealed for calm, urging residents of the affected communities and the broader public to remain patient and support ongoing security operations. He assured that all necessary resources were being mobilised to bring the situation to a successful resolution.
Makinde also commended the Chief of the Air Staff and the NAF for their prompt intervention, noting that the surveillance aircraft was made available while aerial assets recently acquired by Oyo State are still being assembled at the NAF Base in Lagos. He explained that the state procured the platforms following consultations with the Air Force to ensure access to maintenance support, engineering expertise and pilot training, and expressed confidence that the assets would enhance security operations across Oyo and neighbouring states once operational.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Suleh reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to supporting efforts to free the hostages, and conveyed the service’s solidarity with the government and people of Oyo State. He stressed that the NAF would continue working alongside other security agencies to address the state’s security challenges.
Suleh also praised the Oyo State Government for its support of NAF projects and infrastructure development in the state.
The Nigerian Air Force said it remains committed to collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to safeguard lives and property across the country.
Tags: #NAF #Governor Seyi Makinde #Oyo state