All hopes are not lost regarding the freedom of kidnapped teachers and pupils of Orire community in Oyo state, Nigeria.
The police is talking tough and offering a reassurance.
The South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Adegoke Fayoade disclosed that all available resources are being deployed to ensure their freedom.
DIG Fayoade gave the assurance on Monday during an official working visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja,
He said security agencies remained focused on rescuing the victims rather than engaging in discussions on ransom demands.
He however claimed that the police is not aware of the rumours that the abductors had softened their demands from seeking the release of some of their leaders to requesting ransom and the release of foot soldiers.
The DIG explained that his visit to Lagos formed part of efforts to strengthen supervision across commands within the South-West zone and engage officers and men on emerging security challenges.
According to him, issues relating to manpower shortages, personnel welfare and operational logistics featured prominently during his interactions with officers.
According to him, the vision of the Inspector-General of Police is to motivate personnel to perform optimally through improved welfare and the provision of necessary operational tools.
He also disclosed that the Force was making significant investments in technology and data management systems to enhance policing nationwide.
The DIG added that several breakthroughs recorded by police formations across the country were products of sustained investments in technical training and intelligence-led policing.
On public communication and transparency, Fayoade directed the Lagos State Command to ensure that all major achievements and operational successes are publicised.
Earlier in his welcome speech, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani, described the DIG’s visit as a homecoming and commended his leadership and experience.
Fatai disclosed that the Lagos State Police Command, established in May 1967 with four Area Commands and 22 divisions, has expanded significantly in response to the state’s growing population.
According to him, the command currently comprises 14 Area Commands, 117 divisions and 74 police posts, with a workforce of 25,096 personnel.
He attributed recent reductions in major crimes to intelligence-led operations, modern policing techniques and support from the Inspector-General of Police, the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders.
Providing a scorecard of the command’s activities since he assumed office on March 26,2026, the CP revealed that 28 armed robbery incidents were foiled, while 71 armed robbery suspects and 133 cultism suspects were arrested.
He added that 44 murder cases were reported during the period, leading to the arrest of 35 murder suspects, while four traffic robbery suspects were arrested and charged to court.
Fatai further disclosed that the command recovered 60 firearms and 625 rounds of ammunition, impounded 122 vehicles for driving against traffic and seized 1,580 motorcycles for traffic-related offences, including illegal use of Bus Rapid Transit corridors.
The CP, however, noted that the achievements came at a significant cost.
“It saddens my heart to inform the DIG that seven personnel lost their lives in the line of duty while 300 sustained various injuries,” he said, requesting a minute’s silence in honour of the fallen officers.
