DIG Fayoade Assures Rescue of Abducted Oyo Teachers, Pupils as Police Intensify Operations

Segun Atanda/

The South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, has assured Nigerians that efforts are being intensified to secure the release of the teachers and pupils abducted in Orire community, Oyo State, insisting that security agencies remain committed to bringing the victims home safely.

Fayoade gave the assurance today during an official working visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja, where he said that all available resources were being deployed to ensure the successful rescue of the kidnapped victims.

According to the DIG, the police and other security agencies are concentrating on rescue operations rather than engaging in discussions surrounding ransom demands.

He said the Force was unaware of reports suggesting that the abductors had shifted their demands from seeking the release of detained leaders to requesting ransom payments and the release of foot soldiers.

Fayoade explained that his visit to Lagos was part of a broader supervisory tour of police commands across the South-West aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness and addressing emerging security challenges.

He disclosed that discussions with officers and men focused on manpower shortages, personnel welfare and operational logistics, stressing that the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, is to motivate personnel through improved welfare packages and the provision of modern operational tools.

The DIG further revealed that the Nigeria Police Force was making significant investments in technology and data management systems to enhance intelligence gathering, crime prevention and nationwide policing operations.

According to him, several recent breakthroughs recorded by police formations across the country were the result of sustained investments in technical training and intelligence-led policing strategies.

He also directed the Lagos State Police Command to sustain public communication efforts by regularly publicising major operational achievements and successes.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Olaiwola Fatai, described the DIG’s visit as a homecoming and praised his leadership qualities and wealth of experience.

He disclosed that the Lagos State Police Command, established in May 1967 with four Area Commands and 22 divisions, has expanded significantly in response to the state’s growing population and security demands.

He said the command currently operates 14 Area Commands, 117 divisions and 74 police posts, with a personnel strength of 25,096 officers and men.

Presenting a scorecard of the command’s activities since assuming office on March 26, 2026, the CP revealed that police operatives foiled 28 armed robbery incidents and arrested 71 robbery suspects as well as 133 suspected cultists.

He added that 44 murder cases were reported within the period, leading to the arrest of 35 suspects, while four traffic robbery suspects were apprehended and charged to court.

Tijani further disclosed that the command recovered 60 firearms and 625 rounds of ammunition, impounded 122 vehicles for driving against traffic and seized 1,580 motorcycles for various traffic-related offences, including illegal use of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors.

The police commissioner, however, noted that the achievements came at a heavy cost, revealing that seven police personnel lost their lives in the line of duty while 300 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“It saddens my heart to inform the DIG that seven personnel lost their lives in the line of duty while 300 sustained various injuries,” Tijani said before calling for a minute’s silence in honour of the fallen officers.