President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and deployed a specialized security unit to intensify efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The announcement was made on Sunday during a visit by a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities, where gunmen kidnapped pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.
The delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, conveyed Tinubu’s concern over the incident and reassured residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.
As part of measures to strengthen security in the area, the President approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government. The delegation also disclosed that requests by community leaders and lawmakers for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to the President for consideration.
In addition, Tinubu directed a specialized security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Speaking in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President’s decision to send the nation’s top security officials to the affected communities underscored his determination to deploy all available resources to ensure the victims’ safe return.
“Mr. President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely. He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective,” he said.
He assured anxious parents and residents that rescue efforts would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated, combining both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to secure the victims’ release.
The delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department, Tunji Disu; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
The team also visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, HRM Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with the traditional ruler and the people of the area over the abduction.
The delegation further met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, wife of a deceased teacher affected by the incident, and her two children. Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s condolences and assured the family of government support.