The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed an aerial surveillance aircraft to support ongoing search-and-rescue operations for teachers and pupils abducted from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

According to a statement released on Sunday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the deployment was confirmed during a recent courtesy visit involving representatives of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh.

Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed that the Air Force responded promptly after the incident was reported, providing an aerial platform that has continued to supply intelligence to security agencies coordinating rescue efforts.

He explained that data gathered from the surveillance operations has played a key role in tracking movements and improving coordination among security forces involved in the ongoing mission to secure the release of the victims.

Makinde appealed for calm among residents of the affected communities, urging continued cooperation with security agencies while efforts to rescue the abductees intensify. He assured that all necessary resources were being mobilised to ensure a successful outcome.

The governor also commended the Chief of the Air Staff and the Nigerian Air Force for their swift intervention, noting that the deployed surveillance support was particularly crucial as the state’s newly acquired aerial platforms were still undergoing final preparation at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Lagos.

He further explained that the state government acquired the aircraft after consultations with the Air Force to ensure technical support, maintenance capacity, and pilot training, describing the decision as a long-term investment in security enhancement.

In response, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to support ongoing operations aimed at rescuing the abducted teachers and pupils, stressing continued collaboration with other security agencies.

He also praised the Oyo State Government for its cooperation and reiterated the Air Force’s determination to contribute to efforts that ensure the safe return of all victims.

It would be recalled that armed attackers abducted 46 persons, comprising 39 students and seven teachers, during coordinated attacks on schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. The incident has continued to raise concerns over the security of educational institutions across parts of the country.