Oyo schoolchildren: Police rejects talks for ransom

The Nigeria Police Force has ruled out any form of ransom negotiation for the release of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State.

South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, said the police will not engage in ransom talks with kidnappers.

Fayoade made the declaration on Monday, June 22, 2026, while addressing journalists during an official working visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja.

“The police do not engage in ransom discussions,” he said.

He added that the force’s primary focus remains the safe rescue of the abducted children and their teachers.

“We don’t know anything about ransom because we don’t talk about ransom. All efforts are directed towards getting the abductees freed safely,” Fayoade stated.

The DIG noted that the police is reviewing operational strategies, strengthening supervision, and engaging personnel to better tackle evolving security threats across the country.

He assured that all government agencies are collaborating to secure the release of the abducted children and other victims nationwide.

“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.