Oyo Abduction: Tinubu Orders Special Rescue Mission, Approves 1,000 Forest Guards

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of no fewer than 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue team following the abduction of teachers and students in the state.

The move is part of an urgent federal response to growing security concerns in rural communities, where criminal gangs have increasingly exploited forest corridors as hideouts for kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday after a high-powered Federal Government delegation visited the affected community on behalf of the President.

According to the statement, the recruitment of the forest guards will be undertaken in collaboration with the Oyo State Government as part of immediate measures aimed at strengthening local security architecture, enhancing surveillance, and preventing criminal elements from operating within the state's forests.

"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 delegation also informed community leaders and elected representatives that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to the President for consideration and possible approval.

In addition, President Tinubu directed the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts toward securing the safe release of the abducted teachers and students.

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; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

During the visit, the delegation conveyed President Tinubu's deep concern over the incident and reassured residents that the Federal Government remains fully committed to restoring security and ensuring the safe return of all victims.

The latest abduction has once again drawn attention to the persistent security challenges confronting several communities across Nigeria, particularly in remote areas where kidnappers and armed groups continue to operate despite ongoing military and law enforcement efforts.

Security experts have repeatedly advocated stronger intelligence gathering, improved forest policing, and enhanced collaboration among federal, state, and local authorities as critical measures for addressing the growing threat.

The Federal Government expressed optimism that the newly approved security interventions, including the recruitment of forest guards and deployment of specialised rescue personnel, would strengthen security operations in the affected areas and significantly reduce criminal activities.