Following the recent abduction of school children and educators in Oyo State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and deployed a specialized rescue team to track down the perpetrators and secure the victims’ safe release.
The security intervention was announced on Sunday, May 31, 2026, during a high-powered Federal Government delegation visit to the affected Esiele and Yawota communities in the Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso.
The visit follows the May 15, 2026, mass kidnapping of pupils and teachers from three schools: Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
Led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the top-tier delegation included National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Addressing residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila emphasized that sending the nation’s top security hierarchy to the communities underscores President Tinubu’s resolve to exhaust all available resources for the rescue mission.
“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 stated.
Acknowledging the appeals from community members and worried parents who urged caution to prevent casualties during the operation, the Chief of Staff assured them that the rescue mission would be strategic and precise.
He noted that the operation will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying a mix of both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to guarantee a safe outcome.
In addition to the deployment of the specialized rescue unit, the federal government is collaborating with the Oyo State Government to fast-track the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to secure the vast forestry reserves often used as hideouts by bandits.
Responding to local leaders and lawmakers who pleaded for a permanent military presence, the delegation promised to formally present the request for a new military base to President Tinubu for his consideration and approval.
During the working visit, the delegation also stopped at the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Kabiyesi Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with the traditional ruler and the kingdom over the breach of peace.
The officials also visited Mrs. Mary Oyedokun, the widow of a school teacher who lost his life during the incident, and her two children.
Delivering the President’s personal condolences, Gbajabiamila pledged that the federal government would support the grieving family and ensure they do not suffer in the wake of the tragedy.