President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of at least 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 development comes amid growing concerns over the increasing wave of kidnappings and attacks on schools and communities across parts of the country, particularly in rural areas where criminal groups often exploit vast forest corridors as hideouts.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the decision in a statement on Sunday after a high-powered federal delegation visited the affected community on behalf of the President.
According to the statement, the recruitment of the forest guards will be carried out in collaboration with the Oyo State Government as part of immediate measures aimed at strengthening security, improving surveillance, and preventing criminal elements from using forests as operational bases.
“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 lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be conveyed to the President for consideration and possible approval.
In addition, President Tinubu directed 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 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, 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 committed to restoring security and ensuring the safe return of all victims.
The latest abduction has further highlighted the security challenges facing several communities across Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have continued to pose a significant threat despite ongoing military and law enforcement operations. Security analysts have repeatedly stressed the need for stronger intelligence gathering, improved forest policing, and enhanced collaboration between federal, state, and local authorities to tackle the menace.
The Federal Government expressed optimism that the newly approved measures, including the recruitment of forest guards and the deployment of specialised rescue personnel, would strengthen security architecture in the affected areas and help curb criminal activities.
