President Bola Tinubu has ordered the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The directive was announced on Sunday following a visit by a high-powered Federal Government delegation to the affected Esiele and Yawota communities in the Ogbomoso area, where gunmen abducted pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15. 

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to strengthen security operations and support ongoing search-and-rescue efforts in the area. 

According to the Presidency, the deployment of the specialised rescue team is aimed at enhancing efforts to locate and safely recover the abducted victims, while the forest guards will help improve surveillance and security coverage in forested areas often used by criminal groups. 

The Federal Government delegation conveyed the President’s concern over the incident and reassured residents that authorities were committed to securing the safe return of the pupils and teachers. The delegation also informed community leaders that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to the President for consideration. 

Members of the delegation reportedly included Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, and other senior government officials. 

The abduction has heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State and renewed calls for stronger protection of schools and rural communities. Residents and education stakeholders have continued to demand swift action to secure the victims’ release and prevent further attacks. 

Tinubu’s latest directive comes amid broader federal efforts to address rising cases of kidnappings and attacks on schools across Nigeria, with authorities increasingly deploying specialised security measures and community-based surveillance initiatives to combat the threat.