NAF expands aerial surveillance in Oyo rescue operation as security forces search for abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire, with intelligence support ongoing.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has ramped up aerial surveillance operations as part of an intensified rescue mission for teachers and pupils abducted from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The ongoing military-backed operation, now drawing national attention, comes amid heightened concern over rising insecurity in parts of the South-West, particularly school-related kidnappings that have sparked fear across affected communities.
Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the development during a high-level visit by senior representatives of the Nigerian Air Force, including officials acting on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff and the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command.
According to the governor, the Nigerian Air Force responded within hours of the abduction by deploying an aerial surveillance platform over the affected forest corridors and surrounding settlements.
The swift intervention, he said, has significantly strengthened intelligence gathering for ground troops involved in the rescue mission.
The NAF aerial surveillance system has reportedly been providing continuous monitoring of suspected movement routes, helping security agencies track possible escape paths and coordinate search efforts more effectively.
Officials say this intelligence-driven approach is now central to the Oyo kidnapping rescue operation, as authorities race to locate the victims alive.
Makinde described the Air Force response as timely and critical, noting that the state’s newly acquired aerial assets were still undergoing final preparation at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Lagos when the incident occurred. He added that the federal support filled an urgent operational gap at a crucial moment.
He also reassured residents that security agencies remain fully deployed across strategic locations, urging communities not to panic while search-and-rescue operations continue.
According to him, all available resources are being coordinated to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The governor further explained that the state government had earlier partnered with the Nigerian Air Force to acquire aerial surveillance platforms, a move designed to strengthen long-term security operations.
The arrangement also includes technical support, maintenance training, and pilot capacity development to ensure sustained effectiveness.
In response, the Air Force leadership reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the ongoing mission.
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Speaking through senior representatives, the service emphasized that the Nigerian Air Force remains fully engaged alongside other security agencies until the victims are safely rescued.
The Air Force also commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation and continued investment in security infrastructure, noting that such collaboration enhances national response capability in emergency situations.
The Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, reiterated that the service will continue to deploy air power, surveillance systems, and intelligence support in coordination with ground forces to address kidnapping threats and other security challenges across the country.
As the Oriire abducted pupils rescue operation continues, tension remains high across affected communities, with families anxiously awaiting updates.
Security agencies, however, insist that the combined air and ground strategy is improving the chances of a successful rescue.
The NAF intelligence support operation is expected to remain active until all victims are accounted for, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks operating in the region.
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