The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed an aerial surveillance aircraft to aid ongoing efforts to rescue teachers and pupils abducted from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame confirmed that Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed the deployment during a courtesy visit on Friday 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.
Governor Makinde noted that the Air Force responded promptly to the abduction report by deploying a surveillance platform, which has since been providing critical intelligence to security agencies engaged in the search-and-rescue operation.
According to the governor, intelligence gathered from the surveillance missions has been instrumental 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,” he was quoted as saying.
The governor also appealed to residents of the affected communities and the state at large to remain patient and support ongoing security operations.
He assured them that all necessary resources were being deployed to ensure the successful resolution of the incident.
Makinde commended the Chief of the Air Staff and the Nigerian Air Force for their swift response and sustained support, noting that the surveillance aircraft was made available while Oyo 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 said.
The governor explained that the state government acquired the aerial platforms following consultations with the Nigerian Air Force to guarantee access to maintenance support, engineering expertise and pilot training.
He expressed optimism that the assets would significantly enhance security operations in Oyo and neighbouring states once they become 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 conveyed the solidarity of the Nigerian Air Force with the government and people of Oyo State, stressing that the service would continue to work with other security agencies to address security challenges.
Suleh said the Air Force remained committed to supporting ongoing efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils.
He also commended the Oyo State Government for its support towards Nigerian Air Force projects and infrastructure development within the state.
The Nigerian Air Force said it would continue to collaborate closely with relevant stakeholders to safeguard lives and property across the country.
Recall it was reported that on May 15, 2026, armed men attacked three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 students and seven teachers, totalling 46 victims.
The incidents have continued to raise concerns over school security and persistent attacks on educational institutions in parts of the country.
