Senate orders crackdown on bandits flaunting crime cash on TikTok

Oyo Police command | PBM

By News Desk

Prime Brief Media | June 16, 2026

OYO, NIGERIA — The Nigeria Police Force has intensified efforts to secure the freedom of dozens of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, with authorities confirming that advanced information and communication technology is now being used to track and rescue the victims.

Deputy Inspector‑General of Police in charge of ICT, Adegoke Fayoade, disclosed this during a working visit to the Oyo State Police Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, where he met with officers, community leaders and other stakeholders. According to the DIG, security agencies have already activated specialised technological resources and expert personnel as part of ongoing operations to ensure the safe recovery of those being held captive.

Speaking on the rescue efforts, Fayoade expressed optimism that the victims would soon regain their freedom without harm. "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.

The police chief explained that his visit to Oyo State was directed by the Inspector‑General of Police and formed part of broader efforts to strengthen engagement with residents while reassuring them of the force's commitment to maintaining security across the South‑West region. "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.

Fayoade stressed that modern policing increasingly depends on technology‑driven strategies, noting that law enforcement agencies can no longer rely solely on conventional methods to tackle sophisticated criminal networks. "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.

Beyond operational tactics, the DIG underscored the importance of public confidence in the police, arguing that effective law enforcement is only possible when communities trust security agencies enough to share information. "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.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbenga, highlighted the strategic importance of the state and reaffirmed the command's commitment to intelligence‑led security operations.

Key Facts

• Abduction date: May 15, 2026
• Location: Oriire LGA, Oyo State
• Victims: 40+ pupils and 7 teachers
• One teacher beheaded
• Police deploying ICT tools for rescue
• DIG Fayoade: "It's just a matter of time"