Tinubu approves 1,000 forest guards for Oyo after school abduction

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State as part of urgent measures to strengthen security following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

The decision was announced during a Federal Government visit to affected communities in Ogbomoso, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. The delegation said the initiative would be carried out in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to enhance surveillance and secure forested areas often exploited by criminal groups.

The move is part of a broader response to the May 15 abduction involving schools in the area, as authorities intensify efforts to rescue the victims and prevent further attacks.

Officials explained that the deployment of forest guards is aimed at improving intelligence gathering, monitoring remote locations, and supporting existing security agencies in tracking criminal elements operating within forests and rural communities.

The delegation, which included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, assured residents that the Federal Government is adopting both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to address insecurity in the region.

Speaking during the visit, Gbajabiamila said President Tinubu is deeply concerned about the incident and has directed all security agencies to deploy necessary resources to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.

He added that the forest guard initiative forms a critical layer in the government’s long-term strategy to curb banditry and kidnapping, particularly in vulnerable rural areas.

Community leaders had also requested the establishment of a military base in the area, a proposal the delegation said would be forwarded to the President for consideration.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to restoring safety in the affected communities and preventing future attacks through strengthened local security architecture.