The South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Mr Adegoke Fayoade, has assured that abducted schoolchildren and their teachers will be rescued safely and in the shortest possible time.
Fayoade, who oversees Information and Communication Technology (ICT), gave the assurance on Monday during a working visit to the Nigeria Police Force Lagos State Command Headquarters in Ikeja.
He said coordinated operations were ongoing across relevant security formations to secure the victims’ release.
“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 said.
Reacting to reports of ransom demands, the DIG stressed that the police do not engage in ransom negotiations.
“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 added.
Fayoade said his visit was aimed at strengthening supervision, reviewing operational strategies, and engaging personnel on improved responses to emerging security threats.
He noted that feedback from the tour would be forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police for further action and policy direction.
According to him, key challenges raised during engagements include manpower shortages, welfare concerns, and logistics gaps, adding that steps were underway to address them.
He disclosed that ongoing recruitment exercises were part of efforts to boost manpower, while officers’ welfare remains a top priority of the Force leadership.
Fayoade also highlighted the growing role of technology in policing, including the development of a centralised data system and the adoption of artificial intelligence to enhance intelligence gathering and investigations.
He said the initiatives align with the Inspector-General’s vision of an intelligence-led, technology-driven policing system.
The DIG commended officers of the Nigeria Police Force, urging professionalism, commitment, and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties.
He also called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, government, and citizens, noting that effective policing requires broad-based support.
Fayoade further emphasized mutual respect between officers and the public as a key pillar for national security.
