President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State as part of emergency measures to strengthen security operations following the abduction of 46 pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The initiative, announced in a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, will be implemented in collaboration with the Oyo State Government and is aimed at improving surveillance of forests and vulnerable rural communities believed to be hiding routes for armed groups.
The decision follows growing public concern over the May 15 attack on Community Grammar School, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, where bandits invaded communities, abducted students and staff, and reportedly killed a teacher during the raid. Among the victims is a two-year-old child, heightening national outrage over the incident.
The abductors were said to have fled into forest reserves along the Oriire axis and the Old Oyo National Park, prompting intensified search-and-rescue operations involving military and police units.
As part of the federal response, President Tinubu has also directed the deployment of a specialised rescue team with advanced operational capacity to track the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the abducted victims. Officials say the team will operate using both intelligence-led and tactical strategies.
A high-level federal delegation, led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited affected communities alongside the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, and other senior officials to assess the situation and reassure residents.
During the visit, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu is “deeply troubled” by the incident and has directed security agencies to use all available resources to ensure the safe return of the victims. He added that rescue efforts would be carefully coordinated to avoid endangering the lives of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Community leaders and lawmakers also appealed for the establishment of a permanent military base in the area, a request the federal delegation said would be forwarded to the Presidency for consideration.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who has been holding regular security meetings with service commanders, assured families that efforts are ongoing, stressing that both federal and state authorities are working around the clock to secure the victims’ release.
Security operations in the area have since been intensified as authorities expand forest patrols and surveillance in a bid to locate the abductors and dismantle their networks operating across the region.
