President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 local forest guards in Oyo State to bolster security following the abduction of school pupils and teachers. The President also ordered the deployment of a specialised tactical security unit to intensify rescue operations and secure the safe release of the captives.
Presidential delegation visits affected communities
Tinubu announced the measures via his X handle on June 1, 2026, after a high-level Federal Government delegation visited the affected Esiele and Yawota communities in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The delegation, led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, and Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications Sunday Dare.
Gbajabiamila addressed anxious residents and community leaders in both English and Yoruba, expressing the President's deep concern and assuring them that all necessary resources were being deployed to bring the children and teachers home safely.
Details of the abduction
Gunmen invaded the communities, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers from three schools: Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School. The attack has sparked widespread outrage and fear.
Forest guards and military base
The recruitment of the 1,000 forest guards will be carried out in collaboration with the Oyo State Government. These guards will be sourced locally to improve surveillance and intelligence gathering in forest corridors often exploited by criminals. Additionally, the delegation informed local lawmakers and community leaders that their request for a permanent military base in the area has been forwarded to President Tinubu for consideration.
Rescue operations and NUT strike
The presidency emphasised that rescue operations will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated to ensure hostage safety. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State to protest the security breach and demand faster action from authorities.
