President Bola Tinubu has approved the deployment of 1,000 forest guards to Oyo State as part of efforts to tackle insecurity and secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The President also ordered a specialised security team with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify operations aimed at freeing the victims, who were kidnapped during attacks on three schools in the area earlier this month.

The directive was conveyed to community leaders during a visit by a Federal Government delegation led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. Other members of the delegation included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa.

Speaking during the visit, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu was deeply concerned about the abduction and had directed security agencies to use every available resource to ensure the safe return of the victims. He assured residents that the rescue effort would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated to avoid putting the captives at risk.

The delegation also informed community leaders that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area had been forwarded to the President for consideration.

Officials later visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, and met with the family of teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was killed during the attack. The delegation conveyed the President’s condolences and promised support for the bereaved family.

The abductions occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities, taking dozens of pupils and teachers hostage.

Authorities said the kidnappers have continued to exploit the forested terrain around the communities as cover while security forces work to secure the release of the victims.