PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES RECRUITMENT OF 1,000 FOREST GUARDS FOR COMMUNITIES IN OYO STATE

President BOLA TINUBU has approved the recruitment of at least 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialized rescue team following the abduction of teachers and pupils in parts of the state.

A statement issued yesterday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, BAYO ONANUGA, revealed that the recruitment of the forest guards will be carried out in collaboration with the Oyo State Government as part of immediate efforts to strengthen security and improve surveillance in vulnerable areas.

The move comes in response to the recent abduction of teachers and students from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government delegation to the affected communities led by the President’s Chief of Staff, FEMI GBAJABIAMILA, and including the National Security Adviser, NUHU RIBADU; the Inspector-General of Police, KAYODE EGBETOKUN; the Chief of Defence Staff, CHRISTOPHER MUSA; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, SUNDAY DARE, also assured residents that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to the President for consideration.

During the visit, the officials conveyed President TINUBU’S deep concern over the incident and reassured community leaders, residents, and affected families of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of the victims and improving security across the region.