Police deploy ICT tools to rescue abducted Oyo teachers, pupils — DIG

By Adeola Badru

Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Adegoke Fayoade, has disclosed that advanced policing technology has been deployed in efforts to secure the release of teachers and students abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, assuring that security operatives were working to ensure their safe rescue without casualties.

The DIG made the remarks on Monday during an official duty tour of the Oyo State Police Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, where he engaged with officers, stakeholders and members of the public as part of a mission from the Inspector-General of Police.

Fayoade said the police had already activated technological resources and technical expertise to facilitate the release of the victims, expressing confidence that they would soon be reunited with their families unharmed.

“ICT technology is already used in freeing the abductees. It’s just a matter of time. They will be out unhurt.“

“We don’t want to have any collateral damage. We want all of them to be out, alive. And reunited with their families,“ he said.

Addressing stakeholders, Fayoade said he had visited the state on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police to reassure residents of the police’s commitment to maintaining security across the South-West geopolitical zone.

“I am in Oyo State on a mission from the Inspector-General of Police. I am here to engage with the community and assure them that the police will continue to perform their duties diligently and effectively. I also want to assure the public that the South-West geopolitical zone will remain safe and that all forms of crime and criminality will be dealt with adequately,” he said.

The DIG stressed that technology had become indispensable in modern policing, noting that the force had continued to leverage technological innovations to detect, investigate and prevent crimes.

“Technology is the backbone of modern policing. Once the appropriate technology is deployed, crime can be detected, resolved and prevented effectively.“

“We are already doing this. Whatever crime occurred, we will utilise our technical experts and the technology available to us to ensure that cases are resolved within the shortest possible time,” he stated.

Fayoade further emphasised the importance of public trust and community partnership in effective policing, saying the success of law enforcement operations largely depended on cooperation from citizens.

“Building trust is essential. Without trust, members of the public will be reluctant to partner with the police. The only way to build trust is through good and quality service delivery in policing,” he said.

He added that officers had a responsibility to conduct themselves professionally and transparently in order to inspire public confidence.

“We have to relate with members of the public sincerely and objectively, conduct our duties in a manner that will inspire confidence in the police, and avoid any actions that can undermine justice.“

“We have to make ourselves available whenever there is a problem, respond promptly to resolve issues, and provide feedback on how those issues will be addressed,” Fayoade said.

According to him, sustained transparency and sincerity in police operations would encourage citizens to volunteer credible intelligence needed to combat criminality and social vices.

“By doing all these things transparently and sincerely, we will be able to build trust. Once that trust is established, members of the public will be willing to rely on us and provide the vital and credible information needed to combat crime, social vices and the various challenges confronting society,” he added.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbenga, described the state as one of the most strategic in the country and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents through intelligence-driven policing and stakeholder collaboration.

“Oyo State remains one of the most strategic states in the Federation, with its unique demographic, economic and security dynamics. Despite the challenges associated with policing such a vast and vibrant state, the Command has remained resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property through intelligence-led policing, strategic stakeholder engagement, crime prevention initiatives and robust law enforcement operations,” Olugbenga said.

The police commissioner expressed optimism that the DIG’s visit would further strengthen operational capacity and collaboration among officers and stakeholders.

“We are particularly delighted that the visit will feature interactive lectures and engagements with officers of the Command as well as key stakeholders,” he said.

Olugbenga also commended community leaders and stakeholders for their continued support of the Nigeria Police Force, noting that security could only be achieved through collective effort.

“To our esteemed stakeholders present, I express appreciation for their enduring cooperation and partnership with the Nigeria Police Force. Security remains a shared responsibility, and their contributions will continue to play a vital role in maintaining peace, stability and development within Oyo State,” the commissioner added.

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