President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of a specialised rescue team following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State.
The move comes after gunmen kidnapped students and staff from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area last month.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the decision formed part of immediate security interventions agreed after a federal delegation visited affected communities.
“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 statement said.
The President also ordered a specialised security unit with enhanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims.
According to officials, the team will deploy both intelligence-led and operational strategies in what authorities described as a coordinated rescue effort.
The federal delegation was led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, and Minister of Defence Christopher Musa.
They also included Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications Sunday Dare.
Gbajabiamila
Speaking to community leaders in Ogbomoso, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu was deeply concerned about the incident and committed to 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 said.
“The operation will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.”
He added that requests by residents for a military base in the area would be forwarded to the President for consideration.
Community visits and royal palace meeting
The delegation visited Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA, where they met traditional rulers, lawmakers, and families affected by the abductions.
They also paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso land, HRM Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and met the wife and children of a deceased school teacher linked to the incident.
Authorities say operations to locate and rescue the abducted pupils and teachers are ongoing.
