By John Dike, Osogbo
Amid growing concerns over the resurgence of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across the South-West region, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has commenced plans to acquire new security drones and other modern surveillance equipment to boost intelligence gathering and strengthen security operations in the state.
The move comes as residents across several South-West states continue to express fears over increasing incidents of abductions and attacks on highways, farming communities and remote settlements, prompting calls for stronger security measures and greater deployment of technology-driven solutions.
Adeleke’s decision followed a series of marathon security meetings held over the last four days, during which top security officials reviewed the security architecture of the state and assessed strategies for preventing criminal activities.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the administration’s decision was informed by findings that five security surveillance drones fully paid for under the administration of former governor Gboyega Oyetola were not available when the Adeleke government assumed office in November 2022.
The statement said government records indicated that despite the substantial public funds committed to the project, none of the drones could be located or deployed for security operations, leaving a major gap in the state’s surveillance capabilities at a time when technology is increasingly becoming central to modern crime prevention.
The review also uncovered another security-related contract valued at about N300 million, which was reportedly awarded by the previous administration to connect the state’s security communication centre with Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) for seamless coordination during security operations.
According to the government, the contract was not executed, while the armoured vehicles intended for security assignments were abandoned in various locations across the state.
The Adeleke administration said it subsequently recovered the vehicles, refurbished them and returned them to active service to support security agencies in combating crime and maintaining public safety.
At the security meetings, Governor Adeleke directed members of his security team and relevant agencies to immediately begin processes for the acquisition of new drones and additional security gadgets capable of improving surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response to emerging threats.
The governor emphasized that his administration was focused on finding practical solutions to current security challenges rather than engaging in blame games over past developments.
“We are not interested in what has happened in the past. Our goal is to acquire new drones and other needed equipment and materials for our formal and informal security networks to combat crimes and banditry in this state,” Adeleke stated.
He noted that the safety of residents remains a top priority of his administration and assured citizens that government would continue investing in modern security infrastructure to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies and local security networks operating across the state.
The governor further reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Osun, stressing that proactive measures are being taken to ensure criminal elements do not gain footholds within the state.
Adeleke also called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid the prevention and detection of criminal activities.
“Once again, I assure the good people of Osun that our government is committed to their safety and security. I urge the public to notify security agencies of any suspicious movement or individuals in their areas,” he said.
Security analysts have repeatedly highlighted the growing importance of drone technology in modern security operations, particularly in tracking criminal movements, monitoring forests and border communities, gathering intelligence and supporting rapid-response missions.
The planned acquisition is expected to significantly improve aerial surveillance and security monitoring across Osun, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas where criminal gangs often exploit difficult terrain to evade arrest.
The development also reflects a broader shift towards technology-based policing as state governments across Nigeria seek innovative ways to confront rising security threats and protect lives and property.
With the latest initiative, Osun State Government hopes to establish a more robust and technologically advanced security framework capable of responding swiftly to threats while reassuring residents of its commitment to safeguarding communities throughout the state.
