The South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, has assured Nigerians that security agencies are making steady progress towards securing the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
Fayoade gave the assurance on Monday during an official working visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja, where he also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening policing through improved manpower, enhanced welfare, intelligence gathering and technology-driven operations.
Speaking on the abduction incident, the DIG expressed confidence that the victims would soon regain their freedom, stressing that security agencies and government authorities remain committed to ensuring their safe rescue.
“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.
Addressing reports suggesting that the kidnappers had shifted their demands from the release of certain terrorist leaders to ransom payments and the release of lower-ranking members, Fayoade said the police were not aware of such developments.
According to him, the focus of security agencies remains solely on securing the freedom of the victims.
“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 formed part of broader efforts to strengthen supervision across police formations in the South-West and engage officers on strategies for addressing emerging security threats.
He disclosed that manpower shortages, personnel welfare and operational logistics were among the key issues discussed with officers during the visit.
To address personnel gaps, Fayoade revealed that the recruitment of 40,000 new police officers is already underway.
“Another area of importance is the welfare of our men, which remains a top priority for the Inspector-General of Police,” he said.
According to him, the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force is committed to improving working conditions and ensuring officers are equipped with the resources needed to carry out their duties effectively.
Fayoade also disclosed that the police are investing heavily in technology to improve intelligence gathering, investigations and crime prevention.
He revealed that a new data centre being developed at the Force Headquarters will allow security agencies to access information on individuals with criminal records while improving the deployment of security resources nationwide.
“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 many recent breakthroughs recorded by police formations across the country were made possible through intelligence-led operations and specialised technical training.
According to him, officers will soon begin undergoing training programmes focused on the use of Artificial Intelligence in criminal investigations and intelligence operations.
“Technology will help us predict incidents, allocate resources more effectively and prevent crimes before they occur,” he added.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, described the DIG’s visit as a homecoming and commended his leadership and guidance.
Fatai revealed that the Lagos State Police Command has expanded significantly since its establishment in 1967 and currently operates 14 Area Commands, 117 divisions and 74 police posts with a workforce of 25,096 personnel.
He attributed the reduction in major crimes across the state to intelligence-driven operations, modern policing strategies and support from stakeholders.
Providing a scorecard of the command’s activities since assuming office on March 26, 2026, Fatai disclosed 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 recorded during the period, leading to the arrest of 35 suspects, while four traffic robbery suspects were apprehended and charged to court.
The commissioner further disclosed that officers recovered 60 firearms and 625 rounds of ammunition, impounded 122 vehicles for driving against traffic and seized 1,580 motorcycles for various traffic violations, including illegal use of Bus Rapid Transit corridors.
Despite the successes, Fatai revealed that seven police officers lost their lives while performing their duties and another 300 sustained injuries.
“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.
He called for a minute’s silence in honour of the fallen officers.
Fayoade emphasised the importance of mutual respect between police officers and members of the public, urging citizens to cooperate with law enforcement personnel.
“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.
The DIG reiterated the police leadership’s commitment to modernising operations, improving welfare and strengthening public confidence in law enforcement.
