Tinubu Approves 1,000 Forest Guards, Deploys Special Rescue Team After Oyo School Abduction
President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and directed the deployment of a specialised security unit to intensify efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The measures were announced on Sunday during a visit by a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities, where gunmen abducted 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 President Tinubu’s concern over the incident and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.
According to the delegation, the President approved the recruitment of the forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government as part of efforts to strengthen security across the area.
Community leaders and lawmakers also used the occasion to request the establishment of a military base in the area. The delegation assured them that the request would be forwarded to the President for consideration and possible approval.
The President further directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify operations aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Other members of the delegation included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu was deeply disturbed by the abduction and had ordered the nation’s security leadership to deploy all available resources toward rescuing the victims.
“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 parents and community members that the rescue operation would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated, combining both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to ensure the safe return of the victims.
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, HRM Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and met with the family of a deceased school teacher, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun and her two children.
Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s condolences to the bereaved family and assured them that the Federal Government would provide support to ensure they did not suffer hardship.
