The Oyo State government is set to establish airstrips in the towns of Igbeti and Otu within the Oke-Ogun zone for the purpose of enhancing aerial surveillance across the region.
Governor Seyi Makinde made this announcement during the inauguration of 480 Amotekun Forest Rangers, who have been recruited to oversee the state’s forest reserves.
Speaking in Iseyin, Governor Makinde stated that the initiative aims to bolster security measures throughout the state.
He added that his administration would also provide aircraft security gadgets to support these surveillance operations.
“My government will continue to prioritize the security of residents in Oyo State,” he emphasized.
The governor noted that the creation of the Forest Rangers was a direct response to the pressing issues of kidnapping, banditry, and other illicit activities occurring in the state’s forests.
He explained that the Forest Rangers would operate as a sub-unit of the Western Nigeria Security Network, commonly known as ‘Amotekun,’ covering 25 local government areas.
“These rangers are tasked with patrolling the forests in these local government areas alongside various stakeholders and community groups,” he said.
“Their mission is to prevent illegal activities in our forests, protect our farmers, and secure those engaged in commercial ventures. They are also responsible for conserving our natural resources.”
Governor Makinde praised the establishment and operationalization of ‘Amotekun’ by the South-West governors as a significant achievement in regional security.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to support all security agencies in the state, including the approval of hardship allowances for Amotekun corps members.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the Amotekun Corps, Retired Colonel Olayinka Olayanju, highlighted that the recruitment of the Forest Rangers is designed to complement the state government’s efforts in addressing security challenges.
He stressed that the rangers would work diligently to safeguard the state against rising threats such as kidnapping, banditry, and illegal mining within the forests.
