Osun State to Use AI and Drones for Security Monitoring

The Osun State Government has revealed plans to set up a surveillance network using cameras with artificial intelligence, drones, and radar to watch for security threats in communities, schools, businesses, and other public areas.

Governor Ademola Adeleke shared this news on Tuesday. He said the project is being developed with the Chinese tech company Hefei Shengwen Information Technology Company Limited.

A statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said Mr Adeleke met with the company's executives on Monday to discuss the project's details. The team included Cai Jianfei, the company’s international operations director, and Nemo Guo, the manager of overseas operations.

The new system will connect surveillance tools to a central Command and Control Centre. This centre will monitor security activities across the state in real time.

“The planned security projects include a complete and advanced security and intelligence system and platform in Osun State to ensure security coverage of the entire State. The Command and Control Centre will monitor the security status of the entire State,” the statement said.

The government listed tools like AI cameras, drones, radar, robotics, and Internet of Things devices. The project will also include a safe-school initiative and a mobile app for residents to connect with the command centre.

The coverage will also reach banks, industries, farms, mining sites, commercial centres, bus parks, and motor garages in major towns and along main roads in the state.

“Our goal is to create a security platform that will fully protect our people. From schools, hospitals, businesses, and border communities, this initiative is a strategic choice,” Mr Adeleke stated.

The governor added that this plan builds on his government's creation of the Osun State Security Trust Fund, which he mentioned as an effort to improve the state's security system.

Mr Jianfei called the proposed project an inclusive way to protect residents and businesses. He also invited Mr Adeleke to China for a working visit, according to the state government’s statement.

Osun State has faced increasing security issues in recent months. This includes killings linked to political violence, suspected cult clashes, and disputes between communities.

In June, the state government mentioned that many political killings remained unresolved. The civil society group Kimpact Development Initiative reported 73 election-related violent incidents, leading to 29 deaths between October 2025 and June 2026.

The concerns have not been limited to political violence. In October, Mr Adeleke called security chiefs together after a rise in security breaches, especially killings involving rival cult groups. The state has also seen deadly community disputes and other violent crimes, causing worries about the safety of residents.