Oyo abduction: We’re not aware of ransom demand for schoolchildren, teachers – Police

The South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG, Adegoke Fayoade, has said the Nigeria Police Force is unaware of any ransom demand by abductors of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Fayoade made this known on Monday during an official visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos.

He assured that coordinated security operations were ongoing to ensure the swift and safe rescue of the victims.

Responding to questions on reports of ransom demands, the DIG stated that the police do not engage in such discussions. “We don’t know anything about ransom because we don’t talk about ransom. All efforts are directed towards getting the abductees freed safely,” he said.

He added that multiple security agencies were working together to secure the release of the abducted pupils and their teachers “in the shortest possible time.”

“All agencies, including government, are working very hard, and I can assure you that within the shortest possible time, those children and their teachers will be free,” he added.

Fayoade also noted that his visit to Lagos was aimed at strengthening supervision, reviewing operational strategies, and improving responses to evolving security threats across the country.

He said findings from the visit would be forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police for further action, adding that manpower shortages, welfare of officers, and logistics remained key challenges being addressed.

The DIG further highlighted the growing use of technology in policing, including centralised data systems and artificial intelligence for intelligence gathering and investigations.