Tinubu Approves Recruitment Of 1,000 Forest Guards, Deploys Special Rescue Team Over Oyo School Abduction

President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and the deployment of a specialised rescue team following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the decision followed the visit of a Federal Government delegation to the affected Esiele and Yawota communities, where armed men abducted pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.

“As part of immediate measures to strengthen security in the area, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State in collaboration with the state government,” the statement noted.

The Presidency 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.

“The delegation also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be conveyed to the President for consideration and approval,” the statement added.

In addition, President Tinubu directed the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

The Federal Government delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Other members included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

The delegation conveyed President Tinubu’s concern over the incident and reassured residents that the Federal Government remains committed to securing the safe release of the victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The abduction has continued to attract national attention, with growing calls for stronger security measures and urgent action to rescue those still in captivity.