The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has continued aerial surveillance support for ongoing operations to rescue teachers and students kidnapped from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele towns in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh, on June 5, 2026, according to a statement by NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
According to the statement, Makinde said the NAF swiftly deployed an aerial surveillance platform immediately after authorities discovered the abduction, providing critical intelligence to support search-and-rescue operations.
Furthermore, the governor said intelligence gathered from the surveillance missions has continued to assist security agencies in tracking developments and coordinating efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.
“He commended the CAS and the NAF for their swift response and sustained support, noting that 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.
“Makinde further explained that the state acquired the platforms following consultations with the NAF to ensure access to maintenance support, engineering expertise and pilot training.
“He expressed confidence that the assets would significantly enhance security operations across Oyo State and neighbouring states once fully operational,” the statement released on Sunday partly read.
