President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and directed the deployment of a specialised rescue team as part of efforts to secure the release of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The development was disclosed on Sunday by the President's spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, following the visit of a Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities, where the abduction occurred on May 15, 2026.

The victims, comprising pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, were kidnapped by armed assailants, sparking concerns over security in the area.

According to the statement, the recruitment of the forest guards forms part of immediate measures approved by President Tinubu to strengthen security across vulnerable communities and forest corridors in the state.

"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.

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

The Federal Government delegation was led by the President's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector-General Olatunji Disu; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

During meetings with community leaders, lawmakers, and families of the victims in Ogbomoso, the delegation conveyed President Tinubu's deep concern over the incident and reassured residents of the Federal Government's commitment to securing the victims' release.

The delegation also informed stakeholders that requests for the establishment of a military base in the affected area would be forwarded to the President for consideration.

Addressing residents, Gbajabiamila said the President's decision to dispatch top security officials to the affected communities underscored his determination to deploy every available resource towards resolving the crisis.

"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," he said.

He assured families of the abducted victims that ongoing rescue efforts would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated to ensure their safe return.

"Mr President has also noted the appeals from parents and community members urging caution in the rescue operation. 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 added.

As part of the visit, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to commiserate with the traditional ruler and the people of the area.

The team also visited the family of the late teacher, Mary Oyedokun, meeting with her widow and two children while offering condolences and support.

The latest intervention by the Federal Government highlights renewed efforts to tackle insecurity in rural communities and secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.