Years after Osun State reportedly paid for five security surveillance drones, the equipment remains unaccounted for, prompting Governor Ademola Adeleke to consider acquiring a new fleet to strengthen security operations across the state.
The governor’s decision emerged from a series of security meetings held over the past four days to review the state’s security architecture and strategies for tackling crime and banditry.
In a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the state government disclosed that records showed the five drones were fully paid for during the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola. However, none of the drones was available when Governor Adeleke assumed office in 2022.
The government also revealed that another security-related contract valued at about N300 million was awarded under the previous administration to connect the state’s security communication centre with armoured personnel carriers. According to the statement, the contract was never executed despite the funds committed to it.
It added that the armoured vehicles linked to the project were abandoned in different locations across the state before they were later recovered and refurbished by the Adeleke administration for operational deployment.
Following a review of the security situation and the status of existing assets, Governor Adeleke directed his security team to commence plans for the acquisition of new drones and other modern security equipment to improve surveillance and intelligence gathering.
“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.
Adeleke assured residents that his administration remains committed to protecting lives and property, stressing that efforts are underway to strengthen the state’s security apparatus.
He also called on members of the public to support security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities in their communities.
The planned procurement of new surveillance equipment, the government said, is part of a broader strategy to enhance security coordination and response across Osun State.
