Police assure safe rescue of abducted Oyo schoolchildren, reject ransom negotiations

The South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Mr Adegoke Fayoade, has assured that schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State will be safely rescued.

Fayoade, who oversees Information and Communication Technology operations, gave the assurance on Monday during an official visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja.

He said coordinated security operations were ongoing across relevant agencies to ensure the swift and safe recovery of the victims.

“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.

Responding to concerns over reported ransom demands by the abductors, the DIG stressed that the police do not engage in ransom negotiations.

“We don’t know anything about ransom because we don’t talk about ransom. All efforts are directed towards getting the abductees freed safely,” he added.

Fayoade explained that his visit to the Lagos Command was part of efforts to strengthen supervision, review operational strategies and engage personnel on improving responses to emerging security challenges.

He said insights gathered during the visit would be forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police for further action and policy direction.

According to him, key challenges identified during engagements included manpower shortages, welfare concerns and logistics constraints, adding that measures were underway to address them.

He noted that ongoing recruitment exercises were aimed at boosting police manpower nationwide, while welfare improvements remained a priority of the Force leadership.

Fayoade also highlighted the Police Force’s increasing use of technology, including centralised data systems and artificial intelligence tools to enhance intelligence gathering and investigations.

He said the initiative aligns with efforts to build a more intelligence-led and technology-driven policing system.

The DIG commended police officers for their professionalism and urged them to remain committed to upholding human rights in the discharge of their duties.

He further emphasised the importance of collaboration between security agencies and members of the public, noting that effective policing requires collective responsibility.

Fayoade called for mutual respect between officers and citizens, saying it remains essential for national security and public trust.