Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun recounted the security operations that followed the abduction of Oriire, saying security agencies faced intense public criticism while working behind the scenes to secure the victim’s safe recovery.
Speaking in a video posted on TV Platinum on Thursday, July 30, 2026, the inspector general said the police, alongside other security agencies, carried out extensive search operations but deliberately avoided disclosing operational details to the public in order not to jeopardize the rescue effort.
According to him, “Nobody saw the effort we put in. From that moment, the Nigerian Air Force helicopter, the police helicopter, and everybody were there searching day and night. It took time. Finally, we found out where they were. Everybody was attacking us left and right. Which kind of security…? What is this? What is that? We cannot come out and talk.”
The IGP explained that the authorities chose not to reveal sensitive information during the operation because doing so could have endangered the abducted children. He said security agencies were careful to avoid what he described as collateral damage and resisted pressure to make hasty decisions despite widespread public criticism.