Oyo School Abductions: Tinubu Deploys 1,000 Forest Guards, Tactical Rescue Team

President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State as part of intensified efforts to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

He also directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to step up operations aimed at rescuing victims taken from schools in Esiele and Yawota communities.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, a high-level Federal Government delegation conveyed the directive during a visit to the affected communities.

The delegation visited Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA on Sunday, May 31, 2026, where they met with community leaders and lawmakers to assess the security situation.

The statement noted that the request for a military base in the area had also been forwarded to the President for consideration and approval.

The delegation was led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

Gbajabiamila said the President was deeply concerned about the abductions and had directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of the victims.

He assured residents that rescue operations would be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, combining both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.

“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 said.

He also acknowledged concerns raised by parents and community members, assuring them that caution would be taken to avoid endangering the abducted pupils and teachers.

During the visit, the delegation paid condolence visits to traditional leaders and families affected by the attack, including the widow of a slain teacher.

The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in the Oriire axis, killing a teacher and a motorcyclist, while also planting explosives that claimed the life of a security operative during an early rescue attempt.

Security agencies say operations are ongoing in the forested belt believed to be used as a hideout by the abductors.