Tinubu Approves Hiring of 1,000 Forest Guards in Response to Oyo Kidnapping Crisis

President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of at least 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of a special rescue team after teachers and students were abducted in Oyo State.

The decision was announced in a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, released on Sunday.

The announcement followed a federal government delegation’s visit to the Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, after pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School were taken on May 15 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 statement said.

“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,” it added.

President Tinubu also ordered 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; the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

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