President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered intensified rescue operations following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The directive includes the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to secure the safe release of victims taken during coordinated attacks on three schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities on May 15, 2026.
A Federal Government delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila visited the affected communities to deliver the President’s message and reassure residents. The delegation also included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and other top security officials.
During the visit, authorities confirmed that security operations would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated, combining both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to ensure the safe recovery of the abducted victims.
The Federal Government also disclosed that the request for the establishment of a military base in the area is under consideration, while the recruitment of forest guards will be carried out in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen surveillance in the forested region exploited by the attackers.
The abduction, which left a teacher and other victims dead, has heightened concerns over insecurity in schools, particularly in rural communities.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has commenced an indefinite strike across Oyo State, directing all public school teachers to withdraw their services until the abducted pupils and teachers are rescued.
The union expressed alarm over reports that the victims are being held in harsh conditions and cited the prolonged delay in securing their release as justification for the industrial action.
It also directed its state chapters nationwide to stage solidarity rallies, urging authorities to prioritise the safety of schools, teachers and learners.
