President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State as part of efforts to strengthen security in vulnerable communities affected by recent kidnappings.
The President also directed a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to step up operations aimed at securing the release of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The directives were conveyed on Sunday by a high-level Federal Government delegation during a visit to the Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA. The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the delegation informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area had been forwarded to the President for consideration.
The government’s intervention comes 16 days after armed men invaded the affected communities and kidnapped dozens of schoolchildren and their teachers.
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Leading the delegation was the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. Other members included the National Security Adviser, Mallam 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.
Speaking to residents in English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President was committed to ensuring the safe return of the victims and had mobilised the country’s security leadership to address the crisis.
“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,” Gbajabiamila said.
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Responding to concerns raised by parents and community members about the rescue efforts, the Chief of Staff assured residents that the operation would be carried out with caution.
“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.”
The delegation later paid a condolence visit to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, HRM Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, at his palace and sympathised with him and members of the affected communities.
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The team also visited Mrs Mary Oyedokun, widow of the late teacher Michael Oyedokun, and her two children. During the visit, Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences and assured the family of government support.
Onanuga stated that the 1,000 forest guards would be recruited in partnership with the Oyo State Government to improve surveillance and security within forest areas often used as hideouts by criminal groups.
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The mass abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities, taking several pupils and teachers captive.
The attack claimed the life of mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was killed by the assailants. A motorcyclist also lost his life, while a security operative died after encountering improvised explosive devices planted by the kidnappers during an early rescue mission.
The affected communities are located near a forest belt that security officials believe the abductors have used as a base since carrying out the attack.
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