President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised tactical rescue team as part of intensified efforts to secure the release of dozens of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The directive came as a high-powered Federal Government delegation visited the affected communities on Sunday to reassure residents that the government was fully committed to rescuing the victims and restoring security in the area.
The delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the delegation conveyed Tinubu’s directives to community leaders, traditional rulers and lawmakers during visits to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
The latest intervention comes more than two weeks after armed men attacked schools in the area and abducted dozens of pupils and teachers, triggering widespread concern among residents and raising fresh questions about security in rural communities.
The government delegation informed community leaders that the President had approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security across vulnerable areas of Oyo State. The guards are expected to work in collaboration with existing security agencies and help monitor forests and remote communities that have become hideouts for criminal groups.
The team also disclosed that a request by residents for the establishment of a military base in the area had been forwarded to the President for consideration.
Speaking during the visit, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu was deeply concerned about the plight of the abducted pupils and teachers and had directed all security agencies to do everything necessary to ensure their safe return.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba languages, the Chief of Staff said the President’s decision to send the country’s top security officials to the affected communities showed the seriousness of the government’s response.
“Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” Gbajabiamila said.
“He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective.”
The assurance was welcomed by community members who have spent more than two weeks anxiously waiting for the release of their children and loved ones.
Parents and residents had earlier appealed to security agencies to exercise caution in carrying out rescue operations, fearing that aggressive action could put the lives of the captives at risk.
Responding to those concerns, Gbajabiamila assured the communities that the rescue mission would be carefully planned and based on intelligence gathering.
“Mr President also saw the appeals from some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts,” he said.
“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.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.”
The government’s latest move reflects growing concern over the worsening security situation in parts of the country, particularly attacks targeting schools and rural communities.
The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed men stormed three schools in Esiele and Yawota communities. The affected schools were Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
During the attack, dozens of pupils and teachers were seized and taken away by the gunmen.
The incident turned deadly as a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the attackers. A commercial motorcyclist was also killed during the violence.
In addition, a security operative involved in early rescue efforts lost his life after encountering improvised explosive devices allegedly planted by the abductors to slow down security forces pursuing them.
The killings shocked residents and intensified calls for stronger security measures in the area.
The affected communities are located near a vast forest belt that stretches across parts of Oyo State. Security officials believe the kidnappers have been using the forest as a hideout since carrying out the attack.
The difficult terrain has posed challenges for rescue operations, making intelligence gathering and coordinated security action crucial to locating the victims and apprehending the abductors.
As part of the visit, the Federal Government delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Royal Majesty Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to express sympathy with the traditional ruler and the people of the area.
The delegation also visited the family of the late teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was killed during the attack. Gbajabiamila met with the deceased teacher’s widow, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, and her two children, delivering the President’s personal condolences.
He assured the family that the Federal Government would not abandon them and promised that support would be provided to help them cope with their loss.
The visit was an emotional moment for residents, many of whom continue to mourn those who lost their lives during the attack while hoping for the safe return of those still in captivity.
The decision to recruit 1,000 forest guards is expected to form part of a broader security strategy aimed at preventing criminal groups from using forests as safe havens. Security experts have repeatedly argued that many kidnapping operations across the country are sustained by the ability of criminals to operate from remote forest locations with limited government presence.
For residents of Oriire Local Government Area, however, the immediate priority remains the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.
As security agencies intensify operations in the area and the newly approved measures begin to take shape, many families remain hopeful that the victims will soon be reunited with their loved ones.
The Federal Government has maintained that every available resource is being deployed to ensure a successful outcome, while residents continue to pray for the safe return of the captives and lasting peace in their communities.