President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The directive was conveyed on Sunday by a high-powered Federal Government delegation during a visit to the Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA, where the abductions occurred on May 15.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the delegation also informed community leaders that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area had been forwarded to the President for consideration.
The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu was deeply concerned about the abductions and had directed security agencies to deploy all available resources to ensure 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.
“He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective,” he said.
Responding to appeals from parents and community leaders for caution during rescue efforts, Gbajabiamila assured residents that the operation would be carefully coordinated.
“Mr President also saw the appeals from some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts.
“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,” he added.
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and later visited the family of slain teacher Michael Oyedokun. During the visit, Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s condolences to the widow, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, and assured the family of government support.
Onanuga said the 1,000 forest guards would be recruited in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen security across vulnerable communities and forest corridors.
The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers.
During the attack, mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was beheaded. A motorcyclist was also killed, while a security operative died after encountering improvised explosive devices planted by the abductors during an early rescue mission.
The affected communities are located along a vast forest belt that security officials believe has provided cover for the kidnappers since the attack.