President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State as part of efforts to strengthen security and support rescue operations in affected communities.
He also 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.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, a high powered Federal Government delegation conveyed the President’s directives to community leaders and lawmakers during a visit to the Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
The delegation also communicated that the request for the establishment of a military base in the area had been forwarded to the President for consideration and approval.
The development comes 16 days after armed men attacked communities in Oriire Local Government Area and abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu; 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 both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the President’s decision to send top security officials to the affected communities reflects his determination 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.
He also addressed concerns raised by parents and community members who urged caution in the rescue operations.
“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 also visited the Soun of Ogbomosoland, HRM Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, at his palace to commiserate with the traditional ruler and his people. They also paid a condolence visit to the widow of the slain teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, and her two children, where Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s personal sympathy and assured the family of government support.
According to the statement, the 1,000 forest guards approved by the President will be recruited in collaboration with the Oyo State Government.
The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked three schools Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA, taking pupils and teachers hostage.
During the attack, a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded. A motorcyclist was also killed, while a security operative died after running into improvised explosive devices planted by the attackers during early rescue attempts. The affected communities in Oriire LGA are located along a forested belt which has been exploited by the abductors as cover since the incident.
