Oyo School Abduction: Tinubu Approves 1,000 Forest Guards, Considers Military Base

President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and deployed a specialised security team to intensify efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The development followed a visit by a Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities on Sunday, where pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School were abducted on May 15, 2026.

The delegation conveyed the President’s deep concern over the incident and reassured residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government as part of measures to strengthen security across vulnerable communities.

The delegation also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to the President for consideration.

In addition, the President directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify operations aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

The delegation was led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General, the Chief of Defence Staff, General 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’s decision to send the nation’s top security officials to the affected communities showed his determination to deploy every available resource towards securing the release 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.

Gbajabiamila also sought to reassure anxious parents and community members, promising that ongoing rescue operations would be carefully executed.

“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.

“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,” he added.

The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they sympathised with the traditional ruler and members of the community over the incident.

They later met with Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, wife of the deceased teacher, and her two children. Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences and assured the family of the Federal Government’s support