The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed an aerial surveillance aircraft to support ongoing efforts to rescue teachers and pupils abducted from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, citing remarks made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, during a courtesy visit by the representative of the Chief of the Air Staff and Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh.
According to Makinde, the Air Force responded swiftly after the abduction was reported by deploying a surveillance platform that has since been providing critical intelligence to security agencies involved in the search-and-rescue mission.
The governor said intelligence gathered through the aerial surveillance operations has played a vital role in tracking developments and coordinating efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims.
“The NAF promptly deployed an aerial surveillance platform immediately after the abduction was reported, providing critical intelligence to support search-and-rescue operations.
“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.
He appealed to residents of the affected communities and the wider Oyo State populace to remain patient and cooperate with security agencies, assuring them that all necessary resources were being deployed to ensure the victims’ safe return.
Makinde also praised the Chief of the Air Staff and the Nigerian Air Force for their prompt intervention, noting that the surveillance aircraft was deployed at a time when the state’s newly acquired aerial assets were still being assembled at the Nigerian Air Force 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 stated.
The governor explained that the state procured the aerial platforms following consultations with the Nigerian Air Force to guarantee access to maintenance support, engineering expertise, and pilot training. He expressed confidence that the assets would significantly strengthen security operations across Oyo State and neighbouring states once fully operational.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Suleh reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to supporting efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims.
He assured the state government and residents of the service’s continued collaboration with other security agencies to tackle security challenges and ensure the safe return of those kidnapped.
Suleh also commended the Oyo State Government for its support toward Nigerian Air Force projects and infrastructure development within the state.
The Air Force reiterated its commitment to working closely with relevant stakeholders to safeguard lives and property across the country.
The deployment comes in the wake of a May 15, 2026 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, where armed men abducted 39 students and seven teachers, bringing the total number of victims to 46.
The incident has heightened concerns over school security and recurring attacks on educational institutions in parts of the country.
