Tinubu Deploys Special Rescue Unit, Approves 1,000 Forest Guards as Oyo School Abduction Crisis Deepens

Segun Atanda/

The Federal Government has announced a major security intervention in Oyo State, deploying a specialised rescue team and approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards following growing public outrage over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

The move signals one of the most significant federal responses yet to the worsening wave of kidnappings targeting schools and rural communities, amid mounting pressure on security agencies to secure the release of the victims more than two weeks after they were seized by armed men.

President Bola Tinubu approved the measures after gunmen abducted pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities on May 15.

The announcement was made on Sunday when a high-powered Federal Government delegation led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited the affected communities to reassure anxious residents and families that efforts to rescue the victims had been intensified.

According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu authorised the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen security across vulnerable forest corridors believed to be exploited by criminal gangs.

The President also ordered the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to coordinate efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

The intervention comes amid growing fears among residents over the fate of the captives and increasing calls for stronger action against criminal groups operating in remote areas of Oyo State.

Addressing community leaders and residents in both English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu was personally disturbed by the incident and had directed the nation’s security architecture to prioritise the safe return of the victims.

“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.

“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms.”

The Chief of Staff revealed that the President had also taken note of appeals from parents and community leaders urging caution in any rescue operation.

According to him, security agencies have been instructed to pursue an intelligence-driven strategy that combines both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in order to minimise risks to the captives.

“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,” he said.

In another significant development, the delegation informed community leaders that their request for the establishment of a permanent military base in the area would be transmitted to the President for consideration.

The delegation later visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, where they conveyed the President’s sympathy to the people of the area and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to ending the crisis.

The team also met the family of a school teacher who lost his life during the incident.

Gbajabiamila personally conveyed the President’s condolences to Mrs Mary Oyedokun and her children, assuring them that the Federal Government would not abandon them.

Sunday’s visit brought together virtually the entire leadership of Nigeria’s security establishment, underscoring the seriousness with which the Federal Government now views the abduction.

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