IBADAN, OYO STATE — The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed surveillance aircraft to assist in the search and rescue operations for abducted teachers and pupils in Oyo State, as security agencies intensify efforts to locate and safely recover the victims.
The deployment forms part of a coordinated multi-agency response involving the military, police, and other security formations, aimed at tracking the movement of the kidnappers and gathering real-time intelligence to guide ground operations.
According to security sources, the aerial surveillance operation is designed to provide strategic monitoring of forested areas and suspected escape routes believed to be used by the abductors. The operation is expected to improve situational awareness and support ongoing rescue missions.
Authorities confirmed that the Air Force is working closely with other security agencies to analyse intelligence reports and identify possible hideouts where the victims may be held. The use of aerial reconnaissance is considered critical in navigating difficult terrain that is often inaccessible to ground troops.
The abduction, which involved school staff and pupils, has sparked renewed concern over the safety of educational institutions in parts of the country, prompting calls for stronger security measures around schools and rural communities.
Security officials say efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of all abducted persons, while maintaining pressure on the criminal elements responsible for the attack. Patrols have also been intensified across neighbouring communities to prevent further incidents and block potential escape routes.
The Oyo State Government has expressed confidence in the combined security response, noting that federal and state authorities are working in close collaboration to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. Officials have also urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information where available.
The Nigerian Air Force, in recent years, has increasingly relied on surveillance aircraft and intelligence-driven operations to support counter-kidnapping and anti-banditry missions, particularly in areas with dense forests and difficult terrain.
Security analysts say the use of aerial assets significantly improves the speed and accuracy of search operations, especially in cases involving mass abductions where time is a critical factor.
Meanwhile, concerns continue to grow among parents and community members, as calls intensify for improved protection of schools and more proactive security measures to prevent future attacks.
Authorities have assured that all necessary resources are being deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible for the abduction.
