…Assures Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Through Technology
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the Southwest geopolitical zone, DIG Adegoke Fayoade, has commenced his official tour of the Southwest region with a series of strategic engagements in Ibadan, Oyo State, aimed at strengthening security collaboration and enhancing policing effectiveness across the zone.
The tour began with courtesy visits to the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, where discussions centred on deepening partnerships between the Nigeria Police Force, government institutions, traditional authorities, and local communities in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development.
During his meeting with Governor Makinde, the DIG commended the state government’s continued support for security agencies and emphasised the importance of intelligence sharing, community policing, and inter-agency cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges across the Southwest. He noted that collaborative efforts remain critical to sustaining the relative peace and stability currently enjoyed in Oyo State and the region at large.
At the Olubadan’s Palace, DIG Fayoade acknowledged the crucial role traditional institutions play in grassroots security, conflict resolution, and community engagement. The monarch, in turn, lauded the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in maintaining law and order and pledged continued support towards ensuring a safer Ibadanland and Southwest region.
As part of the tour, the DIG also visited the Oyo State Police Command Headquarters, where he addressed senior officers, rank-and-file personnel, and stakeholders in a strategic lecture focused on professionalism, discipline, intelligence-led policing, and service delivery.
Speaking during the engagement, DIG Fayoade assured residents of Oyo State that the Nigeria Police Force is deploying advanced technological tools and technical expertise to secure the release of pupils and teachers recently abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, efforts are ongoing and yielding results, stressing that the police are committed to ensuring the victims are rescued safely without any collateral damage.
“I can assure you that technology is already being deployed in the rescue operation. It is only a matter of time before the abducted pupils and teachers are reunited with their families. Our priority is to bring them back alive, hale and hearty,” the DIG stated.
He explained that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Ridwan Disu, had directed all Deputy Inspectors-General to embark on nationwide sensitisation and operational assessment tours to engage officers and communities while strengthening public confidence in policing.
Describing technology as the backbone of modern policing, DIG Fayoade emphasised that the Force has continued to leverage digital tools, intelligence gathering systems, and technical expertise to combat crime and enhance public safety.
“Whatever crime that comes up, we deploy our technical experts and available technology to ensure such crimes are resolved within the shortest possible time. Technology remains indispensable in modern policing,” he said.
The DIG further urged police officers, including Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders, to prioritise professionalism, transparency, and quality service delivery. He stressed that public trust remains one of the most powerful tools in effective policing and warned officers against actions capable of eroding public confidence.
“The only way to build trust is through sincerity, objectivity, prompt response to complaints, and quality policing services. Stay away from perverting justice. Make yourselves available whenever there is a problem and move swiftly to serve the public,” he charged.
He noted that maintaining cordial relationships with citizens would encourage the flow of credible intelligence necessary for tackling crimes and other social vices threatening national security.
Addressing stakeholders present at the event, DIG Fayoade called for continued vigilance and support for security agencies, emphasising that community participation remains vital in the fight against criminality.
“The Southwest must remain safe and secure. We will continue to deal decisively with all forms of crime and criminality, but we need the support of the people through timely and credible information,” he added.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola, welcomed the DIG and expressed confidence that the visit would further enhance the operational capabilities of officers through the strategic insights, knowledge-sharing sessions, and interactive engagements organised during the tour.
CP Abimbola also appreciated the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, noting that his transformational vision continues to inspire professionalism, discipline, innovation, and excellence throughout the Force.
The Southwest tour is expected to take DIG Fayoade across the six states of the region as he evaluates operational activities, engages critical stakeholders, and strengthens institutional partnerships necessary for effective policing and improved security outcomes.
The Ibadan engagements have set a positive tone for the tour, reflecting the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to proactive policing, technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and community-driven security solutions aimed at ensuring lasting peace and safety across the Southwest. #Securitynewsalert.com
