The South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, has assured Nigerians that abducted schoolchildren and their teachers in Oyo State will soon regain their freedom as security agencies intensify rescue efforts, Peak Newspaper reports
Fayoade gave the assurance on Monday during an official working visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja. He said all security agencies and relevant government authorities were working tirelessly to secure the release of the victims, expressing confidence that the operation would yield positive results within a short time.
According to the DIG, the focus of security operatives remains the safe rescue of the abductees rather than discussions about ransom demands. He dismissed reports suggesting that the kidnappers had changed their demands, insisting that the police were concentrating solely on securing the victims’ freedom.
Fayoade explained that his visit to Lagos was part of efforts to strengthen supervision across police commands in the South-West and engage officers on strategies for addressing emerging security challenges. He noted that issues such as manpower shortages, personnel welfare and operational logistics featured prominently during discussions with officers.
The DIG also disclosed that plans were underway to boost police manpower, revealing that the recruitment of 40,000 new personnel had already commenced as part of efforts to enhance the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force. He added that the force would continue to leverage improved welfare, intelligence gathering and technology-driven policing to tackle crime and improve security across the region.
