President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and directed a specialised tactical rescue team to intensify efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The move comes as part of renewed federal efforts to tackle insecurity in the state, following the kidnapping incident that has left families and communities in distress.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the directive was delivered by a high-powered federal delegation that visited Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
The delegation, which included top security chiefs, also conveyed the President’s approval for enhanced rescue operations and informed stakeholders that a request for a permanent military base in the area was under consideration.
Speaking during the visit, the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the government was fully committed to securing the safe return of the victims.
“Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” Gbajabiamila said.
He added that all necessary instructions had been issued to security agencies, stressing that the rescue mission would be both strategic and coordinated.
“He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective,” he stated.
Gbajabiamila also addressed concerns raised by parents and community members calling for caution in the rescue operation, assuring them that due process would be followed.
“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,” he said.
The federal delegation included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff, and other senior security officials. They also visited the Soun of Ogbomosoland, HRM Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and commiserated with affected families, including the widow of a slain teacher.
Onanuga disclosed that the newly approved 1,000 forest guards will be jointly recruited by the federal and Oyo State governments to strengthen security in forested areas believed to be used as hideouts by armed groups.
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities, taking pupils and teachers hostage.
During the attack, a teacher identified as Michael Oyedokun was killed, alongside a motorcyclist, while a security operative also died after encountering explosives planted by the attackers during an early rescue attempt.
Authorities say the affected communities are located along a forest belt that has become a recurring security challenge, prompting the latest federal intervention aimed at restoring safety and preventing further attacks.
