President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State to curb rising threats by terrorists.
He also led a specialized security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to step up attempts to free abducted students and teachers from three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area.
According to a statement signed and released on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, a high-level federal government delegation conveyed presidential directives to community leaders and lawmakers during a visit to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
The team also informed leaders that their request to create a military facility in the area had been forwarded to the president for review and approval.
The development comes 16 days after militants targeted local communities and kidnapped dozens of youngsters and teachers.
The President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, led the delegation, which included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, according to Onanuga.
Addressing locals in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila stated that the president’s decision to send the nation’s top security leaders to the affected towns indicated his willingness to use every available resource to ensure the victims’ release.
“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,” Gbajabiamila said.
He also responded to requests from parents and community members urging care in the rescue mission.
He also responded to requests from parents and community members urging care in the rescue mission.
The Chief of Staff explained, “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.
“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.”
The delegation also visited HRM Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, at his palace to express their condolences to the traditional ruler and his people.
They also paid a visit to the widow of the dead teacher, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, and her two children, where Gbajabiamila expressed the President’s personal condolences and assured that they would not be left to suffer.
Onanuga stated that the 1,000 forest guards approved by the president would be recruited in partnership with the Oyo State Government.
On May 15, 2026, armed men invaded three schools in the Esiele and Yawota towns of Oriire LGA, abducting students and teachers.
During the kidnap, a mathematics teacher named Michael Oyedokun was beheaded. A motorcyclist was also killed, and a security officer died after colliding with improvised explosive devices put by the abductors during early rescue attempts.
The Oriire LGA settlements are situated on the outskirts of a forested tract that the abductors have used for cover since the invasion.
