In response to the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State, President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards. This move is part of a broader security initiative aimed at preventing future incidents. The announcement was made on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, via an official statement.
The decision follows a visit by a federal delegation to the affected communities—Esiele and Yawota in Oriire Local Government Area—where pupils and teachers were taken from three schools on May 15, 2026. The delegation, headed by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, and Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications Sunday Dare.
During the visit, the team communicated the President’s deep concern and his determination to ensure the safe return of all victims. Additionally, President Tinubu ordered the creation of a specialized security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to ramp up efforts to free the abducted individuals.
The statement also noted that the delegation promised to relay the community’s request for a military base to the President for further action. The recruitment of forest guards will be carried out in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, highlighting a coordinated approach to tackling insecurity in the region.