The Oyo State government has approved the sum of ₦7,763,360,000 to purchase two aircraft for the purpose of tackling kidnapping and illegal mining operations across the state.
The commissioner for information in the state, Prince Dotun Oyelade defended the purchase of two aircraft to fight insecurity in the state.
Oyelade disclosed that with the purchase of the aircraft, security would be immediately beefed up to curb the menace of illegal miners, kidnappers and other forms of security threats, particularly in the vast hinterland.
Oyelade said the procurement was approved in a renewed determination of government to secure the state further from the influx of bandits and their activities.
According to him, the council noted that although Oyo State enjoys relative peace compared to other states in the federation, the government would not be complacent in view of pockets of kidnappings and banditry going on in parts of the state.
“The two-light aircrafts, DA 42 MNG model, are Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, with sophisticated surveillance gadgets capable of identifying targets from high and low altitudes”, the Commissioner said.
He said the preference for these aircraft instead of helicopters was informed by their lesser cost of maintenance, adding that their spare parts are accessible.
He also noted that the Nigeria Air Force possesses a number of the model, which gives room for synergy.
Oyelade added that the state has the largest land mass in the southern part of Nigeria and bigger than 10 countries in Africa with a landmass of 28,454 square kilometres.
“The two aircraft will cost ₦7,763,360,000 and will effectively back up Amotekun and other security forces in the State to prevent and destroy bandits in their hideouts,” he said.
Oyelade also disclosed that of all the Southwest Security Networks, Amotekun in Oyo State has the highest number of personnel with 2,500, 181 vehicles, and 450 motorcycles.
The commissioner also stressed that Amotekun personnel in the state were the highest paid in the South-West with the least paid ₦116,000 salary per month.
Comments