Tinubu Approves 1,000 Forest Guards, Orders Fresh Rescue Operation For Abducted Oyo Pupils
President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State as part of renewed efforts to tackle insecurity and secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The approval was announced during a visit by a high-powered Federal Government delegation to the affected communities of Esiele and Yawota on Sunday.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify ongoing efforts aimed at securing the safe return of the victims.
The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, and other top government officials.
Addressing residents, Gbajabiamila assured families that President Tinubu remained deeply concerned about the plight of the abducted pupils and teachers.
“Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” he said.
He explained that the rescue operation would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated to prioritise the safety of the victims.
The delegation also conveyed the President’s readiness to consider the community’s request for a military base in the area, citing concerns about persistent attacks linked to nearby forest reserves.
Defence Minister Christopher Musa confirmed that the approved forest guards would be recruited in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen security surveillance across vulnerable forest corridors.
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in Esiele and Yawota communities, kidnapping dozens of pupils and teachers.
The incident claimed several lives, including a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed during the attack.
Speaking during the visit, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu assured residents that security agencies would leave no stone unturned in the effort to rescue the captives and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde appealed for unity and cooperation among residents, stressing that both state and federal authorities were working closely together to secure the release of the victims.
The governor urged affected families to remain hopeful, assuring them that ongoing security operations were focused on bringing the abducted pupils and teachers home safely.
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