President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State as part of a comprehensive security strategy aimed at tackling criminal activities and strengthening protection in vulnerable communities following the recent abduction of students and teachers in the state.
The approval was announced on Sunday, May 31, during a visit by a high-level Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where gunmen abducted pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.
The visit was intended to reassure affected families and communities of the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the safe release of the victims while also implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, who conveyed President Tinubu’s concern over the incident and outlined a series of security interventions approved by the administration.
Addressing community leaders, traditional rulers, lawmakers, and anxious residents, Gbajabiamila disclosed that the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards would significantly enhance surveillance and security operations in forested areas often exploited by criminal elements for kidnapping and other violent activities.
According to him, the initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to improve intelligence gathering, strengthen local security architecture, and support conventional security agencies in combating insecurity across the country.
He noted that forests and remote areas have increasingly become hideouts for kidnappers and armed groups, making it imperative for government to deploy additional manpower capable of monitoring and securing such locations.
Gbajabiamila also revealed that requests by community stakeholders for the establishment of a military base in the affected area would be formally transmitted to President Tinubu for consideration.
He assured residents that the government was carefully reviewing all proposals aimed at improving security in Oriire Local Government Area and other vulnerable communities.
“The concerns raised by the people are legitimate and will be communicated directly to Mr. President,” he said.
“The request for a military formation in this area is one of the issues that will receive serious attention because the security of lives and property remains a top priority for this administration.”
The Chief of Staff further disclosed that President Tinubu had directed the deployment of a specialized security unit with advanced rescue and tactical capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted students and teachers.
He emphasized that the President had personally taken interest in the situation and was receiving regular briefings from security agencies handling the operation.
“Mr. President is deeply troubled by this incident,” Gbajabiamila stated.
“He has made it clear that the safe return of these children and teachers is non-negotiable. Whatever resources are required, whatever support is needed, the Federal Government is prepared to provide it.”
According to him, the President has already issued all necessary directives to security agencies and authorized the deployment of additional assets to facilitate rescue operations.
He assured the affected communities that government would not relent until every abducted child and teacher was safely reunited with their families.
“Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” he said.
“Mr. President has directed all relevant agencies to intensify efforts and ensure that every available resource is deployed toward achieving this objective.”
Gbajabiamila acknowledged the pain, fear, and uncertainty currently being experienced by parents and community members whose loved ones remain in captivity.
He said the Federal Government fully understood the emotional burden being carried by the affected families and would continue to stand with them during the difficult period.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood,” he said.
“Every parent, every family member, and indeed every Nigerian shares your concern. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.”
The Chief of Staff also addressed concerns raised by some parents and community members who had appealed for caution in the rescue efforts to avoid endangering the lives of the hostages.
He assured them that security agencies were adopting a carefully coordinated and intelligence-driven approach to the operation.
According to him, rescue efforts would combine both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to maximize the chances of success while minimizing risks to the victims.
“Mr. President has seen the appeals made by parents and community leaders urging caution,” he explained.
“Let me assure everyone that the operation is being handled professionally. The rescue mission will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, utilizing both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.”
He stressed that the government’s primary objective was not merely to confront the perpetrators but to secure the safe release of the victims without unnecessary casualties.
The abduction of the students and teachers on May 15 sparked widespread condemnation across the country and renewed concerns about attacks on educational institutions.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that schools in rural communities remain vulnerable to criminal attacks, particularly in areas with limited security presence.
The incident also reignited calls for stronger implementation of school safety initiatives and increased investment in community-based security systems.
Community leaders who spoke during the visit welcomed the Federal Government’s intervention and expressed appreciation for the President’s commitment to resolving the crisis.
They also urged security agencies to sustain efforts until all the victims are rescued and those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.
The approval of 1,000 forest guards is expected to complement existing security structures in Oyo State and form part of a broader national strategy aimed at improving security in forests, rural communities, and other vulnerable areas across the country.
As rescue operations continue, families of the abducted students and teachers remain hopeful that the intensified efforts directed by President Tinubu will lead to the safe return of their loved ones and help restore confidence in the security of schools and communities in the state.
