President Bola Tinubu has given approval for 1,000 forest guards to be recruited in Oyo State and has ordered an elite rescue team with advanced capabilities to step up operations in Oriire Local Government Area after gunmen abducted pupils and teachers on May 15.

The federal directive was announced on Sunday, May 31, 2026, during a visit by a top government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities in the Ogbomoso axis. Leading the team was Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Defence Chief General Christopher Musa, and Presidential Media Aide Sunday Dare.

Speaking to residents in English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu was saddened by the attack on Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School. He told families: “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”.

Tinubu instructed that the rescue mission be intelligence-driven and carefully planned, using both direct operations and diplomatic approaches. He also mandated that the forest guard recruitment be done with the Oyo State Government to boost security in forest belts and rural communities.

The delegation also noted that community leaders and lawmakers had asked for a military base in Oriire, and that the request has been sent to the President for approval.

The move comes 16 days after the Oriire abductions as security forces keep working to secure the release of all victims.

President Bola Tinubu has given approval for 1,000 forest guards to be recruited in Oyo State and has ordered an elite rescue team with advanced capabilities to step up operations in Oriire Local Government Area after gunmen abducted pupils and teachers on May 15.

The federal directive was announced on Sunday, May 31, 2026, during a visit by a top government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities in the Ogbomoso axis. Leading the team was Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Defence Chief General Christopher Musa, and Presidential Media Aide Sunday Dare.

Speaking to residents in English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu was saddened by the attack on Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School. He told families: “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”.

Tinubu instructed that the rescue mission be intelligence-driven and carefully planned, using both direct operations and diplomatic approaches. He also mandated that the forest guard recruitment be done with the Oyo State Government to boost security in forest belts and rural communities.

The delegation also noted that community leaders and lawmakers had asked for a military base in Oriire, and that the request has been sent to the President for approval.

The move comes 16 days after the Oriire abductions as security forces keep working to secure the release of all victims.