Police Rule Out Ransom Talks, Vow Swift Rescue Of Abducted Oyo School Children
By Oludare Joshua
The Nigeria Police Force has firmly ruled out any form of ransom negotiation in efforts to secure the release of schoolchildren recently abducted in Oyo State, reaffirming its commitment to a safe and successful rescue operation.
The South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Adegoke Fayoade, made this known on Monday, June 22, 2026, while addressing journalists during an official working visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja.
According to the DIG, the police will not engage kidnappers in ransom discussions under any circumstance, stressing that the Force remains focused on rescuing the victims through strategic security operations.
“The police do not engage in ransom discussions,” Fayoade stated.
He emphasized that the primary objective of security agencies is to ensure the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren and their teachers.
“We do not know anything about ransom because we do not discuss ransom. Our concentration is on ensuring that the abductees regain their freedom safely and unharmed,” he said.
Fayoade further disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force is continuously reviewing its operational strategies, enhancing supervision mechanisms, and strengthening personnel engagement to effectively address the evolving security challenges confronting the nation.
The DIG also assured Nigerians that all relevant government agencies are working collaboratively to secure the release of the abducted children, their teachers, and other victims of kidnapping across the country.
“All agencies, including government institutions, are working tirelessly, and I can assure Nigerians that within the shortest possible time, those children and their teachers will regain their freedom,” he added.
The assurance comes amid growing public concern over incidents of school abductions and insecurity, with security agencies intensifying efforts to curb kidnapping and safeguard lives across the country.
