President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The president also ordered the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the kidnapped victims.
The directive was conveyed to community leaders and lawmakers on Sunday by a high-powered federal government delegation during a visit to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the delegation also informed residents that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area had been forwarded to the president for consideration.
The latest intervention comes 16 days after armed men invaded three schools in the area and abducted dozens of 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, Olatunji Disu; the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents in English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the president remained deeply concerned about the incident and was committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted victims.
“Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” he said.
“He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective.”
Gbajabiamila also assured anxious parents and residents that rescue operations would be carefully coordinated to avoid jeopardising the safety of the victims.
According to him, the president had taken note of appeals urging caution during the rescue mission.
“Let me assure you that the operation will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims,” he stated.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.”
The delegation later visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they commiserated with the monarch and members of the affected communities.
They also paid a condolence visit to Mrs Mary Oyedokun, widow of slain teacher Michael Oyedokun, where Gbajabiamila reportedly delivered the president’s personal condolences and assured the family of government support.
Onanuga disclosed that the recruitment of the 1,000 forest guards would be carried out in collaboration with the Oyo State Government.
The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities, abducting pupils and teachers.
Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher and one of the abductees, was beheaded while in the custody of the attackers.
A motorcyclist was also killed, while a security operative reportedly died after encountering improvised explosive devices planted by the abductors during rescue operations.
The affected communities are located along a forested corridor in Oriire LGA, an area security authorities believe the kidnappers have exploited as cover since the attack.
