2027: I’ll buy fairly-used helicopters to end insecurity in Benue if elected governor — Andrew Aba

Governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress in Benue State, Engineer Andrew Aba, has unveiled a cost-effective security strategy ahead of the 2027 governorship election, pledging to procure fairly used helicopters and deploy advanced surveillance technology to decisively tackle insecurity across the state if elected.

Aba made the disclosure during an appearance on The Conversation, a political interview programme aired on Edoma Television, where he criticised what he described as inadequate deployment of modern technology in combating crime despite huge security spending.

According to the governorship hopeful, insecurity in Benue can be significantly reduced through aerial surveillance and rapid response operations supported by drones and helicopters.

“I don’t understand why, in this age and time, technology is not being fully used to fight crime. Within the first month, we will procure a minimum of 100 drones, including surveillance and precision-target drones, to strengthen monitoring across the state,” he said.

He explained that surveillance drones would help security agencies identify criminal hideouts and track movements across difficult terrains, enabling ground troops to respond swiftly where necessary.

Aba further revealed plans to acquire fairly used helicopters as part of a broader aerial security network, insisting that cost should not be an excuse for failing to protect lives and property.

“Right now, a fairly used 2023 helicopter costs about ₦1.2 billion, but there are other reliable models available for about ₦600 million. These are good five- or six-passenger helicopters, and we can procure at least two,” he said.

The ADC aspirant questioned why insecurity persists despite the availability of substantial security funding, noting that the state receives a security vote running into billions of naira.

“There is a security vote of over ₦3 billion. Why shouldn’t insecurity be decisively tackled? With proper aerial surveillance, we can locate and neutralise threats,” he added.

He said the helicopters would provide continuous aerial monitoring of rural communities and border areas frequently targeted by armed attackers, while precision drones would only be deployed after adequate warnings where necessary.

Aba maintained that his administration would prioritise proactive security measures aimed at preventing attacks rather than reacting after incidents occur.

He added that restoring safety across farming communities remains critical to reviving agriculture, boosting investment and rebuilding confidence among displaced residents ahead of the state’s economic recovery.