President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has deployed the country’s top security chiefs to Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area and approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security in the state.
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The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, a high-powered Federal Government delegation visited Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area on May 31, 2026, following the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.
The delegation conveyed President Tinubu’s concern over the incident and reassured residents of the administration’s commitment to securing the safe release of the victims.
What the presidency is saying
The Federal Government said immediate steps are being taken to strengthen security in the affected communities and intensify rescue efforts.
- “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.
- “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,” said the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
- “Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” he added while addressing residents of the affected communities.
- “Mr. President also saw the appeals from some parents and community members urging caution in the rescue efforts. Let me assure you that the operation will be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims,” Gbajabiamila 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.
- National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, was part of the delegation.
- The Inspector-General of Police and Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, also participated in the visit.
- Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, joined the delegation.
The President also directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The school abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, and has drawn widespread concern from residents, parents, and community leaders, who have continued to call for swift action to secure the victims’ release.
What you should know
In November, Tinubu had directed the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country, ordering that these personnel be redeployed to core policing duties
The move, according to the Presidency, is aimed at correcting years of lopsided personnel allocation that left many rural and semi-urban communities without adequate policing.
