President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The directive was conveyed on Sunday by a high-powered Federal Government delegation that visited the Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA, where dozens of schoolchildren and teachers were abducted by gunmen 16 days ago.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the delegation also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area had been forwarded to the President for consideration.
The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Chief of Defence Staff, 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 was deeply concerned about the abduction and had mobilised the nation’s top security leadership to ensure the safe return of the victims.
“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,” he said.
Responding to appeals from parents and community members for caution in the rescue efforts, the Chief of Staff assured residents that the operation would be carefully coordinated.
“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,” he added.
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye and sympathised with residents over the tragedy.
Members of the delegation later visited the family of the slain teacher, Michael Oyedokun, where Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s condolences to his widow, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, 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 armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities, taking several pupils and teachers captive.
During the attack, mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was killed. A motorcyclist also lost his life, while a security operative died after encountering improvised explosive devices allegedly planted by the abductors during an early rescue operation.
The affected communities are located along a forested corridor that security authorities believe has provided cover for the kidnappers since the incident occurred.
