Tinubu deploys special rescue squad, approves 1,000 forest guards for Ogbomosho

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue squad to Ogbomosho following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

The latest security measures came after a high-level Federal Government delegation visited Esiele and Yawota communities on Sunday over the kidnapping incident that occurred on May 15, 2026, involving pupils and staff of Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

The delegation, led by Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, also met with the wife and two children of the late teacher, Mary Oyedokun, who died during the incident. Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences to the family and assured them that the government would support them.

According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the president expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity in the area and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rescuing the abducted victims safely.

Onanuga said Tinubu approved the recruitment of the forest guards in partnership with the Oyo State government as part of immediate efforts to strengthen security around vulnerable communities and forests.

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The abducted pupils and teachers have appeared in several viral social media videos pleading with the Nigerian government to intervene, while alleging that they were being subjected to harsh treatment by their captors.

The presidency also disclosed that requests by residents and community leaders for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to the president for consideration.

Tinubu further directed security agencies to deploy a specialised rescue team with advanced operational capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims.

Members of the delegation included National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

Speaking to residents in English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said the president’s decision to send top security officials to the affected communities underscored the seriousness with which the government was treating the situation.

“Mr President is deeply worried about this incident and has directed that every available resource be deployed to ensure the victims return home safely,” he said.

He added that security operations would be carefully coordinated and driven by intelligence to avoid endangering the lives of the abducted pupils and teachers.

The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where they sympathised with the monarch and residents over the attack.