The South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, has given a fresh update on efforts to rescue the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, assuring Nigerians that security agencies are intensifying operations to secure their release.
Fayoade said authorities are working round the clock and expressed confidence that the victims would regain freedom soon.
He spoke on Monday during an official working visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja, where he also addressed several security issues affecting the South-West region.
Speaking on the abduction, the DIG said the focus of security agencies remains on rescue operations and not on discussions surrounding ransom or negotiations with the kidnappers.
“The update is that all agencies, including government, are working very hard. I can assure you that within the shortest possible time, the children and their teachers will be free,” he said.
His comments come amid growing concerns over the safety of the abducted pupils and teachers, with many Nigerians calling for urgent intervention by security agencies.
Responding to reports suggesting that the abductors had shifted from demanding the release of some of their leaders to requesting ransom payments and the release of foot soldiers, Fayoade dismissed the claims, insisting the police were not engaging in such discussions.
“We don’t know anything about ransom because we don’t talk about ransom. All efforts are directed towards getting the abductees free from captivity,” he stated.
The DIG explained that his visit to Lagos was part of efforts to strengthen supervision across police commands in the South-West and assess strategies for addressing emerging security threats.
“It is a working visit to strengthen supervision and engage our officers and men in discussions on effective ways to tackle the evolving security challenges facing the country,” he said.
He identified manpower shortage, personnel welfare and operational logistics as some of the major concerns affecting effective policing.
According to him, steps are already being taken to address these issues, including the recruitment of 40,000 additional police personnel to strengthen the Force nationwide.
“Another area of importance is the welfare of our men, which remains a top priority for the Inspector-General of Police,” he added.
Fayoade said the vision of the Inspector-General of Police is to improve morale within the Force by prioritising officers’ welfare and ensuring they have access to modern operational tools.
He also revealed that the police are making significant investments in technology and intelligence infrastructure to improve law enforcement and crime prevention across the country.
“The Inspector-General is passionate about technology. We are working to complete a data centre at the Force Headquarters that will allow security agencies to access information on individuals with criminal records.
“It will also help us deploy resources more effectively. At the same time, we are working on the use of Artificial Intelligence for investigations and intelligence gathering,” he said.
The DIG noted that several successful operations recorded by police formations across Nigeria were made possible through intelligence-led policing and technical capacity building.
“Many of our activities are underreported. Policing is a 24-hour job and our officers are making arrests and recording successes daily. It may not be enough yet, but I assure you we will improve tremendously,” he said.
On public communication, Fayoade directed the Lagos State Police Command to improve public awareness of police achievements and operational successes.
“I have instructed the Commissioner of Police to ensure that every achievement is reported so members of the public can see the efforts being made.
“Even when we arrest an ordinary housebreaker, the public should know. If our reporting has not been sufficient, we will improve on it,” he said.
He further stressed that the Force is moving toward technology-driven policing through improved control rooms, upgraded data systems and predictive intelligence capabilities.
“Technology will help us predict incidents, allocate resources more effectively and prevent crimes before they occur.
“Very soon, our officers will begin attending courses on the use of AI in investigations and intelligence gathering. We are becoming technology-driven and moving rapidly in that direction,” he added.
Fayoade also called for mutual respect between police officers and members of the public, saying professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights remain key priorities.
“Our officers will carry out their duties with respect, dignity and regard for citizens’ rights. We also expect members of the public to reciprocate that respect as officers discharge their responsibilities professionally,” he said.
Earlier, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, described the DIG’s visit as significant and praised his leadership style.
“Your visit today is indeed a homecoming. It is a privilege to have our amiable DIG with us to share his wealth of experience, knowledge and guidance with officers and men of the command,” he said.
Fatai said the Lagos State Police Command has expanded significantly since its establishment in 1967 to meet the growing security demands of the state.
He disclosed that the command now operates with 14 Area Commands, 117 divisions, 74 police posts and a workforce of 25,096 personnel.
According to him, intelligence-led operations and modern policing strategies have contributed to a decline in major crimes across the state.
“The command has fully implemented various crime-prevention strategies, intelligence-driven operations and modern policing techniques. Consequently, crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, murder and cultism have recorded significant declines,” he said.
Presenting the command’s scorecard since assuming office on March 26, 2026, Fatai disclosed that 28 armed robbery incidents were foiled, while 71 robbery suspects and 133 cultism suspects were arrested.
He added that 44 murder cases were reported during the period, with 35 suspects arrested in connection with the crimes.
The commissioner also revealed that four traffic robbery suspects had been arrested and prosecuted.
In addition, the command recovered 60 firearms and 625 rounds of ammunition.
He further disclosed that 122 vehicles were impounded for driving against traffic, while 1,580 motorcycles were seized for various traffic offences, including illegal use of BRT corridors.
Despite the achievements, Fatai said the command suffered casualties in the line of duty.
“It saddens me to inform the DIG that seven personnel lost their lives in the line of duty, while 300 others sustained various injuries,” he said.
A minute of silence was observed in honour of the fallen officers.
Fatai reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against crime and maintaining peace across Lagos.
“By the grace of God, the Lagos State Police Command remains at the forefront of crime prevention and control. Our officers and men are more determined than ever to sustain the momentum and keep the flag flying,” he said.
The latest update from the police leadership is expected to offer some relief to families of the abducted pupils and teachers, as concerns continue to grow over their safety.
