DIG Assures Safe Rescue of Abducted Oyo Teachers, Pupils Through ICT Deployment

…As Police chief assures residents of enhanced security measures across the South-West

…As Stakeholders urge collective responsibility as police intensify technology-driven security operations.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Adegoke Fayoade, has assured residents of Oyo State that advanced policing technology is being deployed to facilitate the safe rescue of teachers and students abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Fayoade gave the assurance during an official duty tour of the Oyo State Police Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, where he engaged officers, stakeholders and members of the public on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police.

According to the DIG, the Nigeria Police Force has activated technological resources and technical expertise to secure the release of the victims without casualties.

“ICT technology is already being used in efforts to free the abductees. It is only a matter of time. They will be released unhurt. We do not want any collateral damage; we want all of them rescued alive and reunited with their families,” he said.

The DIG reaffirmed the commitment of the police to maintaining security across the South-West region, stressing that technology remains a critical tool in modern policing.

He noted that the force has continued to leverage technological innovations to detect, investigate and prevent crimes, adding that available resources and experts would be utilized to resolve criminal cases promptly.

Fayoade also emphasized the need for stronger police-community relations, saying public trust and cooperation are essential for effective policing.

According to him, officers must conduct themselves professionally and transparently to inspire public confidence and encourage citizens to provide credible information capable of aiding security operations.

Earlier, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, described Oyo as one of Nigeria’s most strategic states and reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and stakeholder engagement.

Despite the challenges associated with policing a vast and vibrant state, Olugbenga said the command remained dedicated to protecting lives and property through crime prevention initiatives and robust law enforcement operations.

He expressed optimism that the DIG’s visit would further enhance collaboration among security agencies, officers and stakeholders.

In a goodwill message, the Coordinator of the Ibadan Compound Peace and Security Initiative, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, commended the Oyo State Police Command for fostering strong community-police relations, which he said had contributed significantly to improving security across the state.

Akinade sympathized with the police over the abduction incident in Oriire Local Government and called for sustained collaboration among traditional rulers, market leaders, artisans and residents in tackling insecurity.

He maintained that security remains a collective responsibility and urged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly share useful information with relevant authorities.

Also speaking, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Oyo State, Uche Okechukwu, appealed to the DIG to advocate for improved national identity management systems, noting that effective identification of citizens could help curb criminal activities across the country.

As part of his visit, the DIG paid courtesy visits to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, at his palace and also met with the Oyo State Governor.

The event was attended by traditional and religious leaders, market leaders, student representatives and members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).