Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has directed the procurement of new security drones and other surveillance equipment as part of efforts to reinforce security operations across the state.
The directive followed a series of security meetings convened by the governor over the past four days to review the state’s security architecture and assess measures needed to counter emerging threats.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the decision was partly informed by reports that five security drones reportedly purchased under the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola could not be accounted for when the current administration assumed office.
According to Rasheed, government records indicated that the previous administration had paid for the drones, but none was available for deployment when Adeleke took over office in 2022.
“Following the disappearance of five security drones fully paid for under the Oyetola administration, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed his security team to consider the acquisition of new drones for security surveillance in the state,” the statement said.
The spokesperson further alleged that another security-related contract valued at approximately ₦300 million was awarded by the previous administration to connect the state’s security communication centre with Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), but was never completed.
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“Another failed contract running to about Three Hundred Million Naira was awarded under the previous government to link the State security communication centre with the Armoured Personnel Carriers.
“Sadly, the contract was not executed, and the armoured vehicles were also abandoned in various parts of Osun State until Governor Adeleke retrieved and refurbished them for deployment,” Rasheed said.
The statement noted that after reviewing the state’s security needs, the governor approved steps toward the acquisition of fresh surveillance equipment, including drones and other technological tools designed to support both conventional and community-based security operations.
Speaking on the government’s plans, Adeleke said the administration was focused on improving security capacity rather than dwelling on 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,” the governor said.
He reassured residents of the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.
“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,” Adeleke added.
