President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of a specialised rescue team following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State.

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday following the visit of a Federal Government delegation to the Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where pupils and teachers were abducted from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on 15 May 2026.

“As part of immediate measures to strengthen security in the area, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State in collaboration with the state government.

“The delegation also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be conveyed to the President for consideration and approval,” the statement read in part.

In addition, the President directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

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

The delegation conveyed President Tinubu’s deep concern over the incident and reaffirmed his commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.

It also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to the President for consideration.

Addressing residents, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu’s decision to dispatch the nation’s top security officials to the affected communities underscored his determination to deploy every available resource towards securing the victims’ release.

“President Tinubu 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.

“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.

“President Tinubu 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,” he said.

The delegation also visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Royal Majesty Kabiyesi Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with him and the people of the area.

It further met with the wife of the late school teacher, Mary Oyedokun, and her two children.