NAF surveillance boosts hunt for abducted oyo pupils, teachers

Three weeks after gunmen stormed schools in Oriire and whisked away dozens of teachers and pupils, aerial intelligence from the Nigerian Air Force is emerging as a key tool in the race to bring the victims home.

 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified aerial surveillance operations to support the rescue of teachers and pupils abducted from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as authorities ramp up efforts to secure their freedom nearly three weeks after the attack.

Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed that the Air Force deployed surveillance aircraft immediately after the abduction, generating critical intelligence that has continued to guide security agencies in tracking the kidnappers and coordinating search-and-rescue operations. The intervention comes amid growing public concern over the fate of the victims and mounting pressure on security agencies to secure their release following nationwide protests and calls for urgent government action.

Makinde made the disclosure during a courtesy visit by the representative of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh, according to a statement issued by NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

According to the governor, intelligence gathered from the surveillance missions has continued to assist security agencies in monitoring developments and coordinating efforts aimed at securing the safe release of the victims.

He appealed to residents of the affected communities to remain patient and continue supporting security agencies, assuring them that every available resource is being deployed to ensure the successful rescue of the abducted teachers and pupils.

Makinde also commended the Chief of the Air Staff and the Nigerian Air Force for their prompt intervention and sustained support, noting that the surveillance platform was made available at a critical time while Oyo State’s newly acquired aerial assets are still being assembled at the NAF Base in Lagos.

The governor explained that the state government procured the aerial platforms following consultations with the Air Force to guarantee access to maintenance support, engineering expertise and pilot training. He expressed confidence that the assets would significantly strengthen security operations across Oyo State and neighbouring states once fully operational.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Suleh reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to supporting ongoing efforts to secure the release of the victims and address security challenges across the country.

He also commended the Oyo State Government for its continued support for NAF projects and infrastructure development within the state.

“The NAF remains committed to working closely with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to safeguard lives and property while supporting efforts to address security challenges across the country,” the statement said.

The pupils and teachers of Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esinele; and L.A. Primary School were abducted on May 15 when armed bandits attacked the schools in a coordinated raid that shocked residents and reignited concerns over the safety of schools in the state.

One of the abducted teachers was later killed in captivity, further heightening public outrage and anxiety over the fate of the remaining victims.

The incident sparked protests by teachers’ unions and civil society groups in Ibadan, who demanded swift action from the government and security agencies to rescue the captives.

Last week, the House of Representatives called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the abducted teachers and pupils are rescued alive. In response to the attack, President Bola Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of a special rescue team to strengthen search-and-rescue operations and improve security across Oyo State.