Tinubu Okays 1,000 Forest Guards For Oyo After School Abductions

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…Deploys Specialised Security Unit To Rescue Pupils, Teachers

ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu has ap­proved the recruitment and de­ployment of 1,000 forest guards to Oyo State in connection with the school children and teachers abduction in the state.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Ad­viser to the President on Infor­mation & Strategy, confirmed the development, on Sunday, saying the decision was sequel to a high-powered delegation sent to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Recall that on May 15, 2026, pupils and teachers were abduct­ed from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Pri­mary School, and L.A. Primary School in Oyo State.

After receiving their brief on the security situation, Tinubu hinted that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be considered.

The statement reads, “A high-powered Federal Govern­ment delegation on Sunday, May 31, 2026, visited Esiele and Yawo­ta communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nurs­ery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.

“The delegation conveyed Pres­ident Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s deep concern over the incident and his commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.

“As part of immediate mea­sures to strengthen security in the area, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State in collab­oration with the state government.

“The delegation also informed community leaders and lawmak­ers that their request for the es­tablishment of a military base in the area would be conveyed to the president for consideration and approval.

“In addition, the president has directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the re­lease of the abducted pupils and teachers”.

Onanuga added that 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, Tunji Disu; the Minister of Defence, 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 the president’s decision to dispatch the nation’s top security leadership to the affected commu­nities reflected his determination to deploy every available resource to­wards securing 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.

“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.

“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,” he said.

The delegation was also at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, HRM Kabiyesi Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with him and his people. The delegation also met with the wife of the deceased school teacher, Mrs. Mary Oyedo­kun and her two children. Femi Gbajabiamila, delivered the presi­dent’s condolences with a promise that the family will not suffer.