The Nigeria Police Force has intensified efforts to secure the freedom of dozens of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, with authorities confirming that advanced information and communication technology is now being used to track and rescue the victims.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of ICT, Adegoke Fayoade, disclosed this during a working visit to the Oyo State Police Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, where he met with officers, community leaders and other stakeholders.
According to the DIG, security agencies have already activated specialised technological resources and expert personnel as part of ongoing operations to ensure the safe recovery of those being held captive.
Speaking on the rescue efforts, Fayoade expressed optimism that the victims would soon regain their freedom without harm.
“ICT technology is already used in freeing the abductees. It’s just a matter of time. They will be out unhurt.“
“We don’t want to have any collateral damage. We want all of them to be out, alive. And reunited with their families,“ he said.
The police chief explained that his visit to Oyo State was directed by the Inspector-General of Police and formed part of broader efforts to strengthen engagement with residents while reassuring them of the force’s commitment to maintaining security across the South-West region.
“I am in Oyo State on a mission from the Inspector-General of Police. I am here to engage with the community and assure them that the police will continue to perform their duties diligently and effectively. I also want to assure the public that the South-West geopolitical zone will remain safe and that all forms of crime and criminality will be dealt with adequately,” he said.
Fayoade stressed that modern policing increasingly depends on technology-driven strategies, noting that law enforcement agencies can no longer rely solely on conventional methods to tackle sophisticated criminal networks.
“Technology is the backbone of modern policing. Once the appropriate technology is deployed, crime can be detected, resolved and prevented effectively.“
“We are already doing this. Whatever crime occurred, we will utilise our technical experts and the technology available to us to ensure that cases are resolved within the shortest possible time,” he stated.
Beyond operational tactics, the DIG underscored the importance of public confidence in the police, arguing that effective law enforcement is only possible when communities trust security agencies enough to share information.
“Building trust is essential. Without trust, members of the public will be reluctant to partner with the police. The only way to build trust is through good and quality service delivery in policing,” he said.
He urged officers to maintain professionalism, fairness and accountability in their interactions with the public.
“We have to relate with members of the public sincerely and objectively, conduct our duties in a manner that will inspire confidence in the police, and avoid any actions that can undermine justice.“
“We have to make ourselves available whenever there is a problem, respond promptly to resolve issues, and provide feedback on how those issues will be addressed,” Fayoade said.
According to him, transparency in policing operations would encourage citizens to provide actionable intelligence capable of preventing crime and enhancing public safety.
“By doing all these things transparently and sincerely, we will be able to build trust. Once that trust is established, members of the public will be willing to rely on us and provide the vital and credible information needed to combat crime, social vices and the various challenges confronting society,” he added.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbenga, highlighted the strategic importance of the state and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led security operations.
“Oyo State remains one of the most strategic states in the Federation, with its unique demographic, economic and security dynamics. Despite the challenges associated with policing such a vast and vibrant state, the Command has remained resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property through intelligence-led policing, strategic stakeholder engagement, crime prevention initiatives and robust law enforcement operations,” Olugbenga said.
He expressed confidence that the DIG’s visit would further improve cooperation between the police, stakeholders and residents.
“We are particularly delighted that the visit will feature interactive lectures and engagements with officers of the Command as well as key stakeholders,” he said.
The commissioner also commended community leaders and other stakeholders for their continued support of law enforcement activities across the state.
“To our esteemed stakeholders present, I express appreciation for their enduring cooperation and partnership with the Nigeria Police Force. Security remains a shared responsibility, and their contributions will continue to play a vital role in maintaining peace, stability and development within Oyo State,” the commissioner added.
The renewed assurances come amid growing public concern over the safety of the abducted teachers and pupils, with security agencies maintaining that efforts are ongoing to secure their release and restore calm to affected communities.
(Ripples)