The Nigerian Air Force has deployed a surveillance aircraft to support efforts to rescue teachers and pupils abducted from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement on Sunday, NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said Governor Seyi Makinde revealed this during a Friday visit by representatives of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh.
Makinde said the Air Force acted quickly after the abduction was reported, deploying a surveillance platform that has provided intelligence for ongoing search-and-rescue operations.
“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,” he was quoted as saying.
The governor urged residents to remain patient and support security operations, assuring them that all necessary resources were being deployed. He also praised the Air Force for making the surveillance aircraft available while Oyo State’s newly acquired aerial assets were still being assembled.
“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.
Makinde said the state acquired the platforms after consultations with the Nigerian Air Force and expressed confidence they would strengthen security operations when fully operational.
Speaking for the Chief of the Air Staff, Suleh reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to securing the victims’ release and commended the Oyo State Government for supporting NAF projects and infrastructure.
Hedlyne reports that on May 15, 2026, armed men attacked three schools in Oriire LGA, abducting 39 students and seven teachers, bringing the total number of victims to 46. The incident has renewed concerns about school security and attacks on educational institutions.
