President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of at least 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of a specialised rescue team following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The move follows a Federal Government delegation’s visit to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area after the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.
According to the statement, President Tinubu approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State, in collaboration with the state government, as part of efforts to strengthen security in the area.
It added that the delegation also conveyed community requests for the establishment of a military base in the region, which would be transmitted to the President for consideration.
Tinubu also directed the formation of a specialised security unit with enhanced rescue capabilities to intensify operations aimed at securing the release of the abducted victims.
The delegation, led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, 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 on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
They conveyed the President’s concern over the incident and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the safe return of the victims.
