The South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, has assured Nigerians that efforts are underway to secure the safe release of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
Speaking during an official visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja on Monday, Fayoade said security agencies were working together to ensure the victims regain their freedom as quickly as possible.
“All agencies, including government, are working very hard, and I can assure you that within the shortest possible time, those children and their teachers will be free,” he said.
The DIG emphasized that security operatives remain focused on rescue operations and not on discussions about ransom demands reportedly made by the abductors.
“We don’t know anything about ransom because we don’t talk about ransom. All efforts are directed towards getting the abductees freed safely,” Fayoade stated.
According to him, his visit to the Lagos command was aimed at reviewing operational strategies, strengthening supervision, and engaging officers on measures to tackle emerging security challenges across the country.
He noted that findings from the visit would be forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to support policy decisions and improve policing operations nationwide.
Fayoade identified manpower shortages, officers’ welfare, and logistics as some of the major concerns raised during interactions with personnel, adding that ongoing recruitment exercises are expected to strengthen the force.
The police chief also highlighted the increasing use of technology within the Nigeria Police Force, including the development of a centralized data system and the deployment of artificial intelligence to enhance intelligence gathering and criminal investigations.
He said the initiative aligns with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police to build a modern, intelligence-driven police force.
Fayoade further urged officers to remain professional, uphold human rights, and maintain cordial relationships with members of the public, stressing that effective policing requires collaboration between security agencies, government, and citizens.
