DIG Fayoade Assures Rescue Of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Unveils AI-Powered Policing Strategy

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The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-West, Adegoke Fayoade, has expressed confidence that schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State will soon be freed, while also outlining plans to strengthen policing through expanded use of technology, artificial intelligence and intelligence-led operations in the fight against crime.

Fayoade gave the assurance on Monday during a working visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja, where he met with officers and reviewed policing strategies across commands in the South-West region.

Speaking on the abduction of the pupils and their teachers, the DIG said security agencies and government authorities were intensifying efforts to secure the victims’ release.

According to him, the rescue operation remains a top priority for security agencies, with all available resources being deployed to ensure a positive outcome.

He said the focus of the authorities was on securing the safe release of the victims rather than engaging in discussions surrounding ransom demands.

“The update is that all agencies, including government, are working very hard. I can assure you that within the shortest possible time, the children and their teachers will be free,” he said.

Reacting to reports that the kidnappers had altered their demands from seeking the release of some detained leaders to asking for ransom payments and the release of lower-ranking members, Fayoade said the police had no information confirming such claims.

He maintained that law enforcement agencies remained committed to rescue efforts and would not be distracted by unverified reports.

Beyond the Oyo abduction case, the DIG outlined a broad reform agenda aimed at repositioning the Nigeria Police Force to meet evolving security challenges.

He explained that his visit to Lagos was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen operational supervision, assess the needs of officers on the field and develop new approaches for tackling emerging crimes.

Describing security threats as increasingly sophisticated, Fayoade said the Force was adopting modern strategies capable of responding effectively to changing criminal patterns.

He identified manpower shortages, personnel welfare and operational efficiency as key areas requiring urgent attention.

According to him, ongoing recruitment exercises approved by the Federal Government would significantly boost police strength nationwide.

He noted that about 40,000 new personnel were expected to join the Force, a development he said would improve policing capacity and enhance service delivery.

The DIG also stressed the importance of officer welfare, saying the Inspector-General of Police had made the wellbeing of personnel a major priority.

He explained that motivated officers were better positioned to deliver effective policing services and maintain public confidence.

Fayoade revealed that the Force was making significant investments in technology infrastructure, including the development of a centralised data centre that would support intelligence gathering and criminal investigations.

He said the facility, located at the Force Headquarters, would eventually allow security agencies to share information seamlessly and maintain comprehensive records of criminal activities.

According to him, the initiative would improve the ability of law enforcement agencies to track offenders, identify crime trends and deploy resources more efficiently.

The DIG further disclosed that artificial intelligence would soon become a key component of police investigations and intelligence operations.

He said officers would undergo specialised training on the application of AI tools in criminal investigations, data analysis and intelligence gathering.

Fayoade explained that technology would enable the police to predict potential security threats, identify crime hotspots and take preventive measures before incidents escalate.

“We will be able to predict incidents and know where to deploy our resources. Technology will help us address crimes before they occur, and we are moving rapidly in that direction,” he said.

The senior police officer noted that many of the breakthroughs recorded by police formations across the country were products of sustained investments in intelligence gathering and technical capacity building.

While acknowledging that security challenges remained, he insisted that law enforcement agencies were making steady progress in crime prevention and detection.

He also called for improved public awareness of police achievements, directing the Lagos State Command to ensure that major arrests, recoveries and operational successes receive wider publicity.

According to him, keeping citizens informed would strengthen public confidence and highlight the efforts being made daily by officers across the country.

Fayoade said improved communication would also help bridge the gap between the police and the communities they serve.

He reiterated the Force’s commitment to professionalism, respect for human rights and responsible policing.

The DIG urged officers to continue treating members of the public with dignity and respect while carrying out their duties.

At the same time, he appealed to citizens to cooperate with law enforcement personnel and support efforts aimed at maintaining public safety.

Earlier, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, described the DIG’s visit as a significant morale booster for officers and men of the command.

He said the command was honoured to receive a senior officer with extensive operational experience and leadership credentials.

Fatai noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub, presents unique policing challenges that require continuous adaptation and innovation.

Tracing the history of the command, he said the Lagos State Police Command was established in May 1967 with four Area Commands and 22 divisions but had since expanded considerably to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population.

According to him, the command currently operates through 14 Area Commands, 117 divisions and 74 police posts, supported by a workforce of more than 25,000 personnel.

The commissioner attributed recent reductions in major crimes to intelligence-led policing, strategic deployments and support from the Inspector-General of Police, the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders.

Presenting a performance report covering the period since he assumed office on March 26, 2026, Fatai said police operatives foiled 28 armed robbery incidents and arrested 71 robbery suspects.

He added that 133 suspected cultists were also apprehended during the period.

The commissioner further disclosed that 44 murder cases were reported, leading to the arrest of 35 suspects linked to the crimes.

He said four suspects involved in traffic robberies had been arrested and prosecuted.

Fatai also revealed that officers recovered 60 firearms and 625 rounds of ammunition from criminal suspects.

In addition, the command impounded 122 vehicles for traffic violations and seized 1,580 motorcycles for various offences, including illegal operations on Bus Rapid Transit corridors.

Despite the achievements, the CP lamented the sacrifices made by officers in the course of duty.

He disclosed that seven police personnel lost their lives while combating crime and maintaining public safety, while about 300 others sustained varying degrees of injury.

A minute’s silence was subsequently observed in honour of the fallen officers.

Fatai reaffirmed the command’s determination to sustain its operational momentum and preserve Lagos’ status as one of the country’s safest states.

He expressed confidence that ongoing reforms, improved intelligence gathering and enhanced support for officers would further strengthen the command’s ability to combat crime and respond effectively to emerging security threats.