The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the South-West, Adegoke Fayoade, has assured Nigerians that more than 40 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State will soon regain their freedom as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue them.
The DIG gave the assurance on Monday during a working visit to the Lagos State Police Command headquarters in Ikeja, amid rising concerns over the safety and condition of the victims who were taken captive during an attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The abduction, which attracted national attention, sparked public outrage, protests, and renewed demands for stronger security measures around schools, especially those located in rural communities vulnerable to attacks by armed groups.
Fayoade said all relevant security agencies and government authorities were working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the victims.
“The update is that all agencies, including the 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.
The police chief declined to comment on reports that the abductors had made demands involving ransom payments or the release of detained associates, stressing that the priority of security agencies remained the safe recovery 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 added.
The assurance came days after the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, revealed that a Nigerian Army lieutenant lost his life during rescue operations aimed at freeing the abducted pupils and teachers.
The governor, while addressing protesters in Ibadan, said security personnel had continued to risk their lives in the mission to bring the victims back safely.
Makinde also assured residents that Oyo State would not experience a repeat of the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping, adding that authorities were deploying every available resource to resolve the crisis.
The victims were abducted on May 15 during coordinated attacks on communities in Oriire Local Government Area, where armed men reportedly invaded schools, killed a teacher, and forced more than 40 pupils and teachers into a forest.
The incident heightened fears over the growing threat of insecurity around educational institutions across parts of the South-West.
Following the development, the Oyo State House of Assembly called for improved security arrangements in schools, including the deployment of security personnel to vulnerable areas and communities located close to forests.
Beyond the rescue efforts, the DIG disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force was implementing reforms aimed at strengthening security operations across the South-West.
He said the reforms include recruitment of more personnel, improved welfare for officers, enhanced intelligence gathering, and increased use of technology in crime prevention and investigation.
According to him, the police are also developing a national data system that will enable security agencies to share intelligence and access information more effectively.
“We are looking at improving manpower because the recruitment of 40,000 policemen has started. Another important area is the welfare of our personnel, which is a priority,” he said.
Fayoade added that the police were becoming more technology-driven, with plans to train officers on artificial intelligence applications in criminal investigations and intelligence operations.
He maintained that although security challenges persist, law enforcement agencies are making progress through intelligence-led operations and remain committed to improving safety across the region.
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