The Osun State Government is set to acquire a new fleet of security drones and surveillance gadgets to combat banditry and crime, bypassing past procurement failures that left the state without critical security assets.
Governor Ademola Adeleke authorised the new procurement directives following a series of marathon security meetings held over four days in the state capital. The decision marks an immediate pivot toward reinforcing the state's formal and informal security architecture.
According to official state records, the decision became necessary after an investigation revealed that five security drones, which were fully paid for during the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, were missing. The current administration noted that none of the equipment was on the ground when Governor Adeleke assumed office in late 2022.
Furthermore, officials disclosed a separate unexecuted contract from the previous administration valued at approximately ₦300 million. The contract was intended to integrate the State Security Communication Centre with the state’s Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs). The armoured vehicles had been abandoned across various regions of the state before being recently retrieved and refurbished by the current government.
Governor Adeleke emphasised that his administration is prioritising immediate public safety over past contractual disputes. He indicated that the state cannot afford delays in safeguarding its citizens while waiting for protracted investigations to conclude.
"We are not interested in what has happened in the past," Governor Adeleke said in an official statement released by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed. "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 reasserted his commitment to state security and urged members of the public to actively support the initiative by reporting suspicious movements or unfamiliar individuals to local law enforcement agencies.