President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State as part of renewed efforts to strengthen security and combat criminal activities in vulnerable communities across the state.
The approval comes amid ongoing efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area. In addition to the recruitment of the forest guards, the President has directed the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify operations aimed at bringing the victims home safely.
The decision was communicated during a visit by a high-level Federal Government delegation to affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area. The delegation met with community leaders, traditional rulers, local stakeholders, and residents to convey the President’s commitment to addressing the security challenges facing the area and ensuring that those responsible for the abductions are brought to justice.
During interactions with residents, government officials reassured the communities that the Federal Government remains deeply concerned about the plight of the abducted pupils and teachers. They emphasized that every available security and intelligence resource is being deployed to secure the victims’ release without compromising their safety.
According to the delegation, President Tinubu has given clear directives to security agencies to sustain pressure on the perpetrators through a combination of intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and carefully coordinated rescue missions. Authorities stressed that the operation would be conducted with utmost caution to avoid endangering the lives of those held captive.
The President was said to be particularly troubled by the incident and has continued to receive regular security briefings on developments surrounding the rescue efforts. He reiterated that the safety of the abducted children and teachers remains a top national priority and assured families that the government would not relent until they are reunited with their loved ones.
As part of broader measures to tackle insecurity in the area, the Federal Government is working closely with the Oyo State Government to recruit and deploy 1,000 forest guards. The guards are expected to strengthen surveillance across forest corridors and remote locations that have increasingly become hideouts for criminal groups. Security experts believe the initiative will improve intelligence gathering, enhance rapid response capabilities, and reduce the freedom of movement enjoyed by armed gangs operating within forested areas.
Community leaders also used the opportunity to raise concerns about the recurring security threats facing residents, particularly in rural settlements surrounded by vast forests. They called for more permanent security infrastructure, including increased military and security presence, to deter criminal activities and reassure residents.
Government officials acknowledged these concerns and assured the communities that additional security requests are receiving urgent attention. They noted that efforts are ongoing to review and implement measures that will provide long-term security solutions for the affected areas and neighboring communities.
The Federal Government delegation also visited traditional institutions and families directly affected by the attack, offering condolences and words of encouragement. During the visits, assurances were given that affected families would not be abandoned and that support mechanisms would continue to be explored to help them cope with the tragedy.
Security chiefs who accompanied the delegation reaffirmed the determination of the Federal Government to confront kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country. They described the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers as a grave attack on society and pledged that security agencies would continue working tirelessly until all victims are rescued and criminal networks operating in the area are dismantled.
The incident has further heightened concerns about the security of schools and rural communities, particularly those located near large forest reserves. However, authorities maintain that ongoing operations, strengthened surveillance measures, and the newly approved recruitment of forest guards will significantly enhance efforts to protect lives, secure communities, and prevent future attacks.
Residents have been encouraged to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing operations. The government also reiterated its commitment to restoring confidence, strengthening security architecture, and ensuring that children can return to learning in a safe and secure environment.
As rescue operations continue, families of the abducted pupils and teachers remain hopeful that the intensified security measures and coordinated efforts by the Federal Government will lead to the safe return of their loved ones.
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