Nigerian police authorities have assured families and the public that efforts to rescue abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State remain active, with security agencies intensifying operations aimed at securing their release.
The update came from the South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, during a working visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja on Monday, where he addressed ongoing security priorities across the region.
Speaking on the abduction case, Fayoade said the immediate objective of security agencies is to recover the victims safely rather than engage in public discussions around ransom demands or negotiations.
“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.
The DIG also dismissed reports suggesting authorities were responding to changing demands from the abductors, including alleged requests involving ransom payments and release of detained associates. According to him, police attention remains fixed on operational efforts to free those in captivity.
Beyond the rescue mission, Fayoade outlined broader policing priorities across the South-West. He identified manpower shortages, officer welfare and logistics as ongoing challenges and said recruitment plans involving 40,000 additional personnel are intended to strengthen national policing capacity.
He also highlighted the Force’s investment in technology-driven policing, including plans for improved data infrastructure and the future use of artificial intelligence to support investigations, intelligence gathering and operational decision-making.
During the visit, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, presented operational figures for the command since assuming office in March 2026. According to him, police recorded multiple arrests across robbery, cult-related and homicide investigations, while also recovering firearms and enforcing traffic regulations.
Despite those gains, the commissioner disclosed that seven officers died in active service and hundreds sustained injuries while carrying out their duties, with a minute of silence observed in their honour.
For families affected by the Oyo school abduction, the latest assurances may provide cautious optimism, although attention remains focused on whether rescue efforts translate into the safe return of the victims.
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