The Nigerian Air Force has deployed aerial surveillance equipment to help security agencies locate and rescue teachers and pupils abducted from three schools in Oyo State's Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
Bandits attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinele the same day, taking dozens of children and staff. One teacher was killed by the abductors while in captivity. Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed the aerial support during a visit from Air Marshal Sunday Aneke's representative and Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh on June 5, 2026.
Makinde said the NAF provided the surveillance platform immediately after reports of the abduction came in. Intelligence gathered from the aircraft has helped security agencies track the situation and coordinate rescue efforts. He appealed for patience from residents and promised that all available resources would be used to secure the victims' safe release.
The governor commended the Air Force for its swift response, particularly noting that Oyo State's own aerial assets are still being assembled at the NAF Base in Lagos. Makinde said the state acquired those platforms after consulting with the NAF to ensure access to maintenance support, engineering expertise, and pilot training. Once operational, he said, the assets would strengthen security across Oyo State and neighbouring regions.
Speaking on behalf of the CAS, Air Vice Marshal Suleh expressed the NAF's solidarity with Oyo State and reaffirmed the Air Force's commitment to supporting the rescue mission. He also praised the state government for its sustained backing of NAF projects and infrastructure development. The statement said the NAF remains committed to working with other security agencies to protect lives and tackle security challenges nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria's South-West chapter called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security. Bishop Barnabas Akin-Akinsanya, the CAN chairman in the zone, said abductions and attacks in Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, and Lagos now threaten national peace, economic development, and stability. He noted that what were once seen as isolated kidnappings have become recurring incidents fuelling widespread fear. The CAN boss urged federal and state governments to equip security agencies with modern surveillance equipment, drones, advanced communication tools, intelligence systems, and rapid-response capabilities to combat the crisis.
