Police in Nigeria say they are working to secure the safe release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State and have ruled out any ransom negotiations. Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Adegoke Fayoade, who oversees Information and Communication Technology, made the assurance during a working visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja. He said security agencies are coordinating their operations to free the victims “within the shortest possible time.”
Fayoade directly addressed reports of ransom demands, saying the police do not engage in ransom talks. He stated that police do not “know anything about ransom” and that all efforts are focused on getting the abductees freed safely. He also outlined steps aimed at strengthening supervision and improving operational strategies, including engagement with personnel on updated approaches to emerging security threats.
The DIG acknowledged challenges affecting police work, including manpower shortages, welfare concerns and logistics, while noting ongoing recruitment and welfare initiatives. He added that the force is increasing its use of technology—such as centralized data systems and artificial intelligence—to support intelligence gathering and investigations, and urged continued respect for human rights and collaboration with stakeholders and the public.
