…Assures Safe Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Through Technology
By Our Correspondent
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the Southwest geopolitical zone, DIG Adegoke Fayoade, mni, has launched his official security tour of the Southwest with a series of strategic engagements in Ibadan, Oyo State, aimed at strengthening security collaboration and improving policing across the region.
The tour commenced with courtesy visits to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, where discussions focused on strengthening partnerships between the Nigeria Police Force, government institutions, traditional rulers and local communities to promote peace, security and sustainable development.
During his meeting with Governor Makinde, DIG Fayoade commended the state government’s continued support for security agencies and emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing, community policing and inter-agency collaboration in tackling emerging security challenges in the Southwest.
He noted that sustained collaboration remains essential to preserving the relative peace and stability currently enjoyed in Oyo State and the region as a whole.
At the Olubadan’s Palace, the DIG acknowledged the critical role of traditional institutions in grassroots security, conflict resolution and community engagement. In response, the monarch praised the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in maintaining law and order and pledged continued support towards ensuring a safer Ibadan land and Southwest region.
As part of the tour, DIG Fayoade also visited the Oyo State Police Command Headquarters, where he addressed senior officers, rank-and-file personnel and stakeholders during a strategic lecture focused on professionalism, discipline, intelligence-led policing and service delivery.
Speaking at the event, the DIG 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, rescue efforts are ongoing and yielding positive results, adding that the police remain committed to ensuring the victims are rescued safely without 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 undertake nationwide sensitization and operational assessment tours aimed at engaging officers and communities while strengthening public confidence in policing.
Describing technology as the backbone of modern policing, DIG Fayoade said the Force has continued to leverage digital tools, intelligence systems and technical expertise to combat crime and improve 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 uphold professionalism, transparency and quality service delivery. He stressed that public trust remains one of the most effective tools for policing and warned officers against actions capable of undermining 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 added that maintaining cordial relationships with citizens would encourage the flow of credible intelligence needed to tackle crime and other social vices threatening national security.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, DIG Fayoade called for sustained vigilance and support for security agencies, emphasizing 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 organized during the tour.
CP Abimbola also commended 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 assesses 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.
