Tinubu Approves 1,000 Forest Guards for Oyo, Deploys Rescue Team

ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and deployed a specialised rescue team to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said the decision was announced on Sunday, May 31, 2026, during a visit by a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA, where pupils and teachers of Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School were abducted on May 15, 2026.

The development comes 16 days after gunmen struck communities in the area and took dozens of schoolchildren and their teachers captive. The Oriire LGA communities sit on the fringes of a forested belt that the abductors have exploited for cover since the attack.

The delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, conveyed Tinubu’s concern over the incident and assured residents that efforts were being intensified to ensure the safe return of the victims. According to Onanuga, the delegation also informed community leaders that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to the president for consideration and approval.

Members of the delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector-General Tunji Disu; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

Tinubu also ordered a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify operations aimed at freeing the abducted pupils and teachers. The President directed that the operation be “intelligence-led and carefully coordinated,” deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims.

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The 1,000 forest guards approved by the President will be recruited in collaboration with the Oyo State Government as part of immediate measures to strengthen security across the affected communities and surrounding forests.

Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila stressed that the President is determined to deploy all available resources to secure the victims’ release. “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.

“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” he added. The Chief of Staff also addressed appeals from 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,” he said.

The delegation also visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, HRM Kabiyesi Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with the traditional ruler and his subjects. It also met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, the wife of a deceased teacher, and her two children, during which Gbajabiamila conveyed Tinubu’s condolences and assured the family of government support.

During the attack, a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded. A motorcyclist was also killed, and a security operative died after running into improvised explosive devices planted by the abductors during early rescue attempts.

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who was part of the delegation, acknowledged the efforts of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, noting that the governor is handling the situation effectively under difficult circumstances. “We also acknowledge Governor Seyi Makinde. He’s doing well,” Ribadu said. Ribadu disclosed that the President had given approval for the recruitment of forest guards to support security operations in forested areas often used as hideouts by criminal groups.

The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools simultaneously in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA. The attackers, numbering about 12, came on motorcycles and struck at about 9:30 a.m., abducting at least 25 pupils and seven teachers.

The Federal Government continues to work closely with the Oyo State Government to respond to the incident and improve security in vulnerable forest corridors. As of the time of reporting, rescue operations were ongoing, with security agencies working to secure the safe return of all abducted victims.

Tinubu Approves 1,000 Forest Guards for Oyo, Deploys Rescue Team