The Federal Government has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State as part of new security measures aimed at addressing insecurity in parts of the state following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The announcement was made during a visit by a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities on Sunday, May 31, 2026. The communities were affected by the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
The delegation conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s concern over the incident and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of all victims.
According to the delegation, the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards will be carried out in collaboration with the Oyo State Government as part of immediate efforts to strengthen security around vulnerable communities and forested areas.
The move comes as authorities continue rescue operations for the abducted pupils and teachers.
Leading the delegation, the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the Federal Government was deploying every available resource to secure the release of the victims.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, he said President Tinubu personally directed the visit of the country’s top security officials to the affected communities.
“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 sought to reassure families of the victims and community members that rescue efforts would be carefully coordinated.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” he said.
“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.”
The delegation included the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Beyond the forest guards recruitment initiative, the delegation disclosed that requests from community leaders and lawmakers for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to President Tinubu for consideration and possible approval.
The Federal Government also announced that a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities had been directed to intensify efforts towards securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
During the visit, the delegation paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, HRM Kabiyesi Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they commiserated with the traditional ruler and residents of the area.
The delegation also met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, wife of the deceased school teacher, and her two children. Gbajabiamila delivered the President’s condolences to the family and assured them that the Federal Government would continue to support them.
The approval of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State represents one of the immediate security interventions announced by the Federal Government following the school abduction incident, as authorities intensify efforts to secure the affected communities and ensure the safe return of the victims.
