The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has continued providing aerial surveillance support to ongoing search-and-rescue operations aimed at rescuing teachers and pupils abducted from Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to a statement by NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed the development during a courtesy visit by representatives of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh, on June 5, 2026.
The governor said the Air Force immediately deployed an aerial surveillance platform after the abduction was reported, providing critical intelligence to support ground search-and-rescue operations.
He noted that intelligence gathered from the surveillance missions has continued to assist security agencies in tracking movements and coordinating efforts to secure the victims’ release.
Governor Makinde appealed for calm and patience from residents, assuring that all necessary resources were being deployed to ensure a successful rescue operation.
“He commended the CAS and the NAF for their swift response and sustained support, noting that the Air Force made the surveillance platform available while Oyo State’s newly acquired aerial assets are still being assembled at the NAF Base, Lagos,” the statement said.
He further explained that the state acquired aerial platforms after consultations with the NAF to ensure access to maintenance support, engineering expertise, and pilot training.
According to him, the assets are expected to significantly enhance security operations across Oyo State and neighbouring regions once fully operational.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Suleh reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to supporting efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted victims.
He said the Air Force remains committed to working with other security agencies and stakeholders to safeguard lives and property across the country.
The abducted victims were taken on May 15 during an attack on Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), Community Grammar School (Esiele), and L.A. Primary School. One teacher was killed while in captivity.
The incident sparked nationwide protests by teachers and civil society organisations, particularly in Ibadan, calling for urgent government action.
The House of Representatives has also urged federal authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the victims are rescued alive.
Following the incident, President Bola Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of a special rescue team to strengthen security operations in the area.
