Forest guards recruitment Oyo State approved by Tinubu as FG deploys rescue teams after school kidnappings and strengthens rural security response

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards under the Forest Guards Recruitment Oyo State initiative and ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue unit following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

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The directive was disclosed on Saturday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, after a high-level federal delegation visited Esiele and Yawota communities affected by the May 15 kidnappings.

The delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa and presidential aide Sunday Dare.

The visit was aimed at conveying President Tinubu’s concern and reassuring residents that urgent measures were underway to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

“Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” Gbajabiamila told residents during the visit, speaking in both English and Yoruba.

The presidency said the approval for the recruitment of forest guards was part of a broader strategy to strengthen security presence in vulnerable rural areas in collaboration with the Oyo State Government.

A specialised security and rescue unit has also been directed to intensify operations aimed at locating and rescuing the abducted victims, with authorities describing the mission as intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated.

Gbajabiamila added that community demands for the establishment of a military base in the affected area would be transmitted to the President for consideration.

“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” he said, while pledging that the Federal Government would leave no stone unturned in the rescue effort.

During the visit, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and also met with families of victims, including the widow of a deceased school teacher, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, and her two children.

Gbajabiamila assured the bereaved family of government support, saying they would not be abandoned in the aftermath of the attack.

The visit comes amid rising concern over insecurity in parts of rural Oyo State, where recent abductions have intensified calls from residents for stronger protection of schools and farming communities.

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Security officials say ongoing operations are focused on intelligence-led tracking and coordinated intervention to ensure the safe return of all abducted persons.